Building Block #3: Worship

What is Worship? If you ask most Christians, they will probably reply that it has

something to do with music or singing. But that is only partially right!

The word Worship has to do with being worthy of honor or praise. It also

has the idea of "to kiss towards", which means to show love and affection to the

object of our worship. We can worship many things and even other people!

But the Genuine Worship God desires is that we Worship Him, for He Alone is Worthy!

So when we gather together to Worship, this can be expressed in a variety of ways!

It might be through music and singing, but we can also Worship as we read Scripture,

Pray, Listen to a Sermon, Receive Communion, Sit in Silence and Meditate on God's

Word, or even Greet and Share with those around us who also Love and Worship God.

Worship doesn't only occur in Group Settings in a Church Building. It can be done

outside as we walk through a newly plowed field, admire a sunset, watch the snow fall,

or gaze up at a beautiful night sky.

It can happen when we welcome a new baby, or rejoice at the healing of a loved one.

It can stir us as embrace a newly married couple at their wedding, or celebrate a 50 year anniversary with 2 faithful beloved friends. It can enfold us as we silently weep at the grave of a dear friend or family member. In every life situation, there is an opportunity to see the Hand of a Loving God extended to us as Human Beings. In those Holy Moments, we can be thankful that we do not make life's journey alone in our own wisdom. Daily in a variety of ways, we have a chance to express our Praise and Worship to our Lord and Creator.

Worship can be done alone, as we pray and read Scripture in the early light or before

we pillow our head. It can be expressed as we sing loudly with contemporary Christian songs on our radio while driving to work, or as we quietly let the beauty of life touch our souls while we listen to an old hymn. God seeks in a hundred different ways daily to gain our attention and to call us to recognize He is ever-present with us, even when we overlook His Presence.

He invites us to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Because of His Great Love for us, "we have this hope as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence (of God) behind the veil." (Hebrews 6:19).

True Worship is recognizing that God is there, and God is here. He has invited us to enter His Presence at any time, and to also recognize that He is present, right here, right now, in this moment. When we grasp this truth, we begin to walk in an attitude of Worship, alone and with others, in church and in our daily lives. And this Building Block will take us DEEP.