What Is Worship?

The thought went something like this: "Be open to worship You.”

And I stop, and thought to myself:  What does that mean? 

What does it mean "to worship?" 

When you think of worship, what comes to your mind?

In the ancient languages it could mean simply 'to bow down,’  or ‘reverent adoration.’  ‘To serve,’ ‘respectful conduct toward others.’  ‘Serving God’s law with our behavior.’

So now, what do you think it means to worship? 

As a young girl, and then a wife and mother, I loved worship on a Sunday morning.  I treasured the liturgy; and digested the sermons. It was a particular time set aside to worship God.  It was necessary for the welfare of my life.

At least I thought that is what I was doing.  It was the “right” way to let God know I believed in Him.

For past thirty years I “lead” worship.  And I’ll tell you a huge secret.  Leading worship is not worshiping.

Rather it is serving others.  Enabling others to come to a place, usually a church building, to open their hearts and minds to God on a certain day for an hour.  And then go home; and not give too much attention until the next week.

When your are the one blessed, to lead worship, it soon turns from worshiping God to being God’s conduit — God’s helper.  Hopefully being successful in feeding others through preaching, liturgy, prayers etc..

Don’t get me wrong, the privilege of leading worship is also a treasure.  it has given me a most essential, meaningful, purpose for living.  

To me it is the most important “job” I could ever have chosen for myself.

  

However, it often leave the leader unfed.  Unfed, of course, unless they allow time too be fed — by God — when alone by themselves.  A time taken to pray, study, read and meditate.

Then going out, into the world, and serving God by serving others.

Thats why we say at the end of each worship service:”Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”