So, how do we worship God? What does it look like? The short answer is, it looks different for everyone! Worship is ultimately not a single act but a lifestyle, the outward manifestation of a heart that treasures God above all else. Worship is expressed by the things we say and the choices we make. Here are some biblical examples of expressions of worship:
- We Worship with our Voice. This is probably the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of worship. It includes worshipping God through our prayers and words of praise (Psalm 34:1), with shouts of joy (Psalm 27:6) and with songs of praise (Psalm 47:6).
- We Worship with our Body. Our physical expressions of worship may include bowing and kneeling before God (Psalm 95:6), standing in awe of God (Psalm 119:120), dancing with joy (Psalm 149:3), clapping (Psalm 47:1) and lifting our hands to God (Psalm 63:4).
- We Worship God with musical instruments. Some of the musical instruments used to worship God in scripture include the cymbal, flute, harp, horns, lute, lyre, organs, other stringed instruments, tambourine, and trumpets (Psalm 33:2; 98:4-6; 149:3; 150). Today that list may also include instruments such as guitar, drums, piano and keyboard.
- We Worship God through our service and obedience. This is probably the most overlooked form of worship. Paul refers to this as our “living sacrifice” which is our “spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1). Similarly, the writer of Hebrews says our sacrifices of doing good are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:15-16).
- We Worship God with our gifts. Gifts and sacrifices to God are a key form of biblical worship. The writer of Hebrews said our sacrifices of sharing what we have are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:15-16).