When we think of worship, most of us automatically imagine Sunday morning, eyes closed, hands lifted, while joining in congregational singing about the love of Jesus. While this is indeed an act of worship, this is not entirely what worship is. It is not limited to a church building or the privacy of your prayer closet. Singing on its own does not define worship. It is not the expression that others see. Worship is a lifestyle that sets us apart from other faiths. We were created to worship and enjoy a personal spiritual passion that fills us when we are in the presence of God. Worship is meant to celebrate that God is here, with us, and alive in us! Worship is the sweet fragrance that reaches Heaven when we humble ourselves and lift our praise to the Lord who reigns above all! Worship is about you and about me. It is about our personal relationship with our Savior. Worship is the time we spend alone with God, praising Him in prayer, loving Him through giving, and not allowing our passion for the Lord to grow cold.

The busyness of the day will always be our greatest distraction, but I encourage us today to take a moment to check our hearts. What is competing for the place of the Lord in our lives? God is calling us back to a life of worship and there is no better time for spiritual renewal than now!

Here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that you are my God

You are altogether lovely, Altogether worthy, Altogether wonderful to me.²

Suggested prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I have found myself lacking the joy that came with a new life in you. I long to feel the excitement of being in your presence again. Forgive me for allowing myself to be drawn away from you and help me find a fresh start in my life of worship. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.    Psalm 95:6.

2.    Here I am to Worship song by Tim Hughes, 2001.

The Encounter for today was written by: Veronica B.