237 A Passion for His Presence: What Worship Entails
What is it that God is calling us to when He says, “Come and worship”? Let’s seek to answer that question by looking first at some…
Biblical Examples of Worship.
The first example is found in Psalm 95. It gives us not only a call to worship, it also provides a pattern for worship.
Celebration (v. 1-5) Notice the phrases “sing for joy,” “shout aloud,” and “let us extol Him.” Worship is a time for God’s people to celebrate their Lord.
Adoration (v. 6-7) Here we’re called to “bow down,” to “kneel” before the Lord. It is a quieter, more intimate response.
Instruction (v. 8-11) The psalmist says, “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” Part of worship is hearing God’s Word.
Psalm 96 provides us with a few additional insights. The very first word in this psalm is “sing.” Three times in the first two verses, we are told to “sing to the Lord.” This is one of the most common commands in Scripture. This is why singing is such an integral part of our corporate worship gatherings.
As you worship the Lord…
Sing boldly.
Sing thoughtfully.
Sing wholeheartedly.
Sing skillfully.
Something else we see in Psalm 96 is the call to “bring an offering.” (v. 7-9) Giving to God is an act of worship. As such, when we give, we should…
Be intentional.
Be thoughtful.
Be cheerful.
Next, let’s look at some…
Biblical Expressions of Worship.
Here are eight Hebrew words, often translated as “praise,” that may revolutionize your worship.
1. Halal: to boast; to celebrate; to be vigorously joyful; to be clamorously foolish (Ps. 35:18)
Halal is the more common word for “praise” in the Psalms. It’s the root from which we get the term “hallelujah.” It’s is an explosion of enthusiasm in the act of praising.
2. Tehilla: to sing; to laud (Ps. 33:1) Literally, this is the singing of one’s halals.
3. Zamar: to touch the strings; to make music (Ps. 104:33) This is why we use instruments in our worship.
4. Shabach: to address in a loud tone; to triumph; to glory (Ps. 145:4) This is a loud verbalization of praise—a shout.
5. Shachah: to bow down; to pay homage; to prostrate oneself; to have the arrogance knocked out (Ps. 96:9) This refers to lying prostrate, flat on your face before the Lord.
6. Barak: to kneel down expecting a blessing from God; to bless God as an act of adoration (Ps. 34:1) This is kneeling before God in humility and surrender, but also expectation.
7. Yada: to acknowledge God’s character; to make a declaration of worship; to throw out the hand enjoying God (Ps. 63:3-4) This involves lifting our hands to the Lord in worship.
8. Todah: to extend hands in thanksgiving and acceptance; to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Ps. 116:17) This also involves the lifting of hands to the Lord, but it more specifically has to do with offering a sacrifice of praise.
Text: Psalm 95, 96
Originally recorded on January 24, 1999, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN