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Why We Worship

To ask why we worship, even while in the middle of a church service, could happen to anyone, especially for those new to it. It’s not a bad question, either; if anything, it can be a step toward gaining a deeper understanding of why we lift our hands, sing our hearts out, listen to sermons, and engage in church services.

If you just recently met God, or you are grappling to understand what worship actually means, here are some uplifting points you can consider:

The Biblical definition of worship

The Scriptures are brimming with passages about worship. The following four verses capture a bit of the essence of what worship means to the Christian:

  1. Worship is not confined to Sundays or to the four walls of a church. Jesus said, “the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father” (John 4:21). This point indicates that worship can be done anytime and anywhere.
  2. We are to worship in Spirit and in Truth. We are to worship God with our entire being, which includes our hearts, minds and souls. The words we say (Truth) will align our hearts with God (Spirit) in a genuine attitude of worship (see John 4:23-24).
  3. We are to worship with humble hearts. We come to God knowing that we are flawed and sinful (ps. 51:17) but that He is the Lord of all– the heavens, the earth and everything in it.
  4. We are to worship the one true God. God isn’t just one Being or Object that we worship. He is the One true God worthy of our worship and praise (see John 14:6, 17:7). We do not worship because it feels good, but because He deserves it.
We are created for worship

Our purpose in this world, ultimately, is to bring honor and praise to God because we were created by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). We can be encouraged that as we draw near to God in a spirit of worship, He draws near to us. This solidifies our relationship with the Lord and helps us acquire a deeper Spiritual understanding of who we are worshipping.

As we focus on worshipping the Lord, we often find our burdens and anxieties are lessened, allowing the renewal and healing of our hearts and minds. It also helps us to let go of the things that may be hindering us from feeling a closeness to God.

How do we worship

Scripture says that “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our daily lives should consist of worship – right from the moment we wake up and until we go to sleep. This is the true essence of worship. Here are a few tips to help us foster a daily attitude of worship in our everyday lives:

● Sing His praises. Ephesians 5:19 talks about “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” So do not be afraid to belt out or dance His praises!

● Meditate in His presence. Praying and reading the Bible make us closer to God. Strive to practice doing these everyday as it is instructed in Joshua 1:8 that “you shall meditate on it [the Scriptures] day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.”

● Worship through everything. Perform everything in good faith – may it be your job, your artwork, the way you talk, your writing, or your exercise routine – as it will please our God greatly!

Union Church of Manila is an international Christian church in Makati. There are 3 Sunday Worship Services: 8:30 am; 10:30 am; 12:30 pm. Contact us today at (632) 812-5609 or visit www.unionchurch.ph and learn more about our worship services and ministries.