THE ART OF WORSHIP | Northstar Church

“The inner essence of worship is to know God truly and then respond from the heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of Christ.” – John Piper

Have you ever found yourself leaving a Sunday worship service saying to yourself, “The worship was awesome.” Or maybe you’ve had the opposite reaction: “The worship was dragging a little today.” No matter how you view worship, it was most likely predicated on the music portion of the Sunday service.

That is why when most Christians hear the word “worship,” they immediately think of music, which is understandable. Music is a very common way to worship in church and our communities. However, worship is more than just the music you hear on Sunday mornings. We are called to worship as Christians every day in everything we do. It is the most fundamental function of being a Christian.

The bottom line is that worship is a lifestyle. It is characterized by devotion, obedience, and love for God and others. Additionally, it is a conscious action. Worship requires effort. It can be expressed in numerous ways; one way is music. Worship can include praying, reading God’s Word with an open heart, participating in communion, and serving others. It is not limited to one act or one way.

To worship is to admire something or someone so profoundly that your only response is extravagant love and incredible submission to that thing or person. That is what God desires of us. To know Him well, to love Him dearly, and respect Him so much that our only response is to live in honor of Him every day in all we do.

Psalm 73:25 says, “Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.” This verse expresses the psalmist’s recognition of God’s unique value and a passionate desire for God. True worship acknowledges God and all His power and glory in everything we do. The highest praise and worship is obedience to Him and His Word. Worship is to glorify and exalt God.

So, how do we worship as a lifestyle? We live a life of sacrifice. We devote every day to God. We worship in Spirit and in truth in a manner that is holy and pleasing to God. The music we sing moves us and allows us to express praise in a unique and creative way. But music isn’t the main avenue of worship—our lives are our ultimate worship vehicle to our Savior. How do you worship? How are you devoting your life to surrendering to God?

“Worship is the proper response of all moral, sentient beings to God, ascribing all honor and worth to their Creator-God precisely because he is worthy, delightfully so.” — D. A. Carson.

Discussion Questions:

What is the purpose of worship?
Giving thanks is one way we worship. How do you regularly express thanks, gratitude, and praise of God?
How could worshiping God (re)order your schedule, priorities, and values?