The Heart of Worship

What do you think when you hear the word “worship?”

Maybe songs of praise leaving your lips with lifted hands comes to mind. It can make us think of the tears streaming down our face as we pour out praises unto God. Perhaps we also think of the praise team who lead the church into the worship of our God. These all are signs of worship, but what is the true essence, the heart, of worship?

“Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, of a truth thou art the Son of God.” – Matthew 14:33

The word “worship” in the original Greek is “proskuneo,” which translates as to bow or pay homage, to express deep respect or adoration.

This translation means that there is something more to worship than the songs that we sing, lifting our hands, and dancing in the Lord.

Worship is the motivation and intention behind the song, to show honor and devotion to Jesus.

If worship is more than a just a song, how do we truly worship Him?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1 (KJV).

This verse doesn’t mention the word “worship,” so how is this verse instructing us to worship?

Let’s take a closer look at the word “service.” The word for service in Greek is “latreia,” which translates to the service and worship of God.

What exactly does this mean?

We worship God by the way we live our lives. By using our body, this vessel, that the Lord blessed us with in a way that is pleasing, set apart, and acceptable in His eyes, we worship God. By sacrificing the things of this world and our wants out of service to our God and all for His glory is true worship.

It’s also important to remember that last clause of Romans 12:1, worshiping God with our all is reasonable for us to do because of the mercies of God that allow us to worship Him!

Worship is a lifestyle. We worship God with the choices we make, how we treat others, what we do with the gifting and talents He blesses us with.

Our lives are a song of worship unto Him. Let our life’s song be pleasing and sweet to His ear.