What Is Worship?

Published August 23, 2026
What Is Worship?

The question, “What is Worship?” is one we’ve no doubt pondered in our thoughts as well as in group discussion. Yet, it is one that, no matter when we bring it into view, we never exhaust the content. As we raise the question once again, let’s consider the question along with the following points:

  • Worship is a response to God’s greatness. Recall how Moses responded to God at Horeb as he witnessed the burning bush. While he was told by God to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground, Moses hid his face as he was afraid—he was awestruck. His response acknowledged God’s greatness and goodness, the living God worthy of honor and praise.
  • Worship deepens our relationship with God. This was not only true of Moses on Mount Horeb; it was also true of Peter, James, and John at the Mount of Transfiguration. As these brothers saw Jesus transfigured with Moses and Elijah, they stood in awe, each falling face down in both adoration and surrender.
  • Worship unites believers as a community. While our eyewitness of God may be delayed until the Lord’s return, we foster our unity in Christ, strengthen our faith, and encourage one another. To quote the writer of Hebrews, we do so “as we see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
  • Worship renews and refreshes our spirits. During times of challenge and struggle, we find comfort sharing those life issues with those facing similar ones that cause worry and concern. It also brings comfort and relief as we remind ourselves in song: “Jesus, lover of my soul; let me to thy bosom fly. While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.” God is present even then.
  • Worship aligns our hearts and minds with God’s purpose. We are each gifted for purpose; that is, God has gifted each one of us and called us to use our individual gifts for His honor. In doing so, we are His agency through which the collective body functions and grows (Eph. 4:11–16). This glorifies God and honors Him in all we do.

May we, as a collective body, respond to God’s greatness in awe of His presence. May we strive to use our gifts, as Paul encouraged the Philippians to do, “in the unity of the spirit and in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4). Let us worship and praise God as we witness the great things He continues to do.

Comments by Mike Barker
Bullet points adapted from an unknown source.