The importance of Worship

At the end of Bible study and discussion on the greatness of God, we are asked for prayer requests. When heads are bowed, some might begin with words of worship and thanksgiving, but most in the group begin their prayer with a list of what they want from God. 

I’ve been troubled about that. In recent years and for a reason I cannot remember, I started to print the words to familiar worship music and use those pages to begin praying after devotions. Worship sets my mind on the One I’m speaking with and chases away any selfishness that might pop up. It is easier to say, “Thy will be done” when my focus is on the goodness and wisdom of God. I have no right or reason to tell Him what to do, only to share the burdens on my heart and trust His power and grace to do what is best and that will bring Him glory.

For me, expressing worship is important, not only to keep my heart in the right attitude, but for those around me who listen. The Psalms are a huge evidence of the need to praise God.

Charnock identifies why I feel angst about lack of worship. He says, “Wants will spur us on to prayer, but a pure love to God can only spirit us to praise. We are more ready to reach out a hand to receive his mercies, than to lift up our hearts to recognize them after the receipt.”

He gives several reasons why praise is important. One is that all true blessings grow up from the pardon of sin. . . .   

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:2–5)

Guilt from sin binds me to thoughts of being punished, or fears for the punishment of others. I know that it also has the ability to fester ill health. It makes sense that instead of praying for a cure, sin should be confessed and when that is done, it takes away the power of sin to make me sick. I don’t know how to praise God for health if I cannot praise Him for renewing my soul.

Another reason to praise God besides being justified is that He continually works to set me apart for Himself. This is sanctification and Charnock says it is a sign of growth in grace when my songs include praise that He is changing me, sometimes with comfortable means and sometimes with sharp discipline. To express praise for both also expresses a deep love for Him and a delight in His work. Such praise sets my heart at rest over the stresses of life because it means I understand the why of them. Forgiveness and pardon fill me with inward peace, but sanctification fills me with a desire to follow this One who heals me in all ways, even when healing hurts.

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. (Psalm 103:19)

God is to be praised for His mercy but also His majesty and the height and extent of His authority. His goodness is not changed by my sinfulness or ignorance. His mercy flows from His sovereignty and no one can resist Him or reverse His will. This is reason for praise.

God’s majesty is the ground for my confidence. He is able to protect me from dangers, deliver me from distresses. Casting my eyes to Him I see a God who can perform what He promised. Saying so in my prayers builds my confidence that His ears hear and that He rules over all. There is nothing or no one that can make Him violate His promises or His will to show good to His people. 

Praise is incentive to obedience. Is this why it is not offered by some? His word says:

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. (Psalm 103:17–18)

Yet as Charnock says, obedience is not performance of a duty, but an eye lifted up to God as a great king. Praise reminds me of God on His throne and serving Him is a great honor. This is why Jesus said:

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9–10)

PRAY: Lord, a short ending to the thoughts You give are not a full expression of what You put in my heart. I’m grateful that You invite me to talk to You and listen to You. I leave this keyboard to sing praise and to put this concern and all other concerns into Your loving and capable hands. Work in my heart and fill it with praise, and take care of that need to praise You in all of us who know You. Enable us to acknowledge You and what You are and do — before we ask for more.