What Is Worship?

I wonder what you think of when you hear the word ‘worship’?

I wonder what it means to you?

Sunday worship? Songs? A lifestyle? Take a moment to sift through your thoughts. What is worship?

I suggest that, whatever else, worship is a recognition of who God is.

If we ponder on the God we love and serve what words would we chose?

Of course God cannot be reduced to words, neither can ‘He’ be described or explained. We might need to use similes or metaphors, or use words and terms that are deeply poetic in nature. But the important thing in this exercise is to use our own words. We are probably familiar with biblical terms, like rock or stronghold and they have their place. But here is an invitation to use your words, your imagery, to use your resource and experience to worship God.

To begin, I invite you to spend a few moments quietening yourself. Shut out, in any physical way you can, the world around you – this might be as simple as closing your eyes.

Take a few breaths and allow the stress of the day, those things that clamour for your attention, to leave you, just as your breath leaves your body. Don’t berate yourself if you find this difficult with your mind fluttering everywhere, simply ease into this moment as best you can.

When you feel ready, you might like to find a Psalm with which to begin your time. Psalm 71 or 89 might be helpful, or choose any Psalm which will remind you of who God is; words and images that others have used in worship God. Read slowly; take your time – read just a few verses if that works best.

Take a few more breathes before reaching for pen and paper then stop and ponder who God is to you, your past and present experience. How would you describe God? What words do you reach for? What comes to mind? Perhaps write down a few ideas. Remember there are no right or wrong answers here, just your words.

Now I invite you to write your own liturgy of God, write sentences, phrases, words, as many or as few as you choose, to complete each of the following – and of course any other thoughts that come to mind.