Why We Worship

Why do we worship?

The answer to this question becomes more apparent when we ask these follow-up questions:

Why did God who is self-sufficient and perfect create mankind?

Why in particular am I alive?

What is my purpose?

Why did God who is self-sufficient and perfect create mankind?

If God is self-sufficient then worship is for the purpose of praising Him.  It is the first of the Ten Commandments; to show this Divine God that we are thankful and appreciative we worship him alone and no others. We worship to please the Lord, who is our Creator. God takes delight in it, and it is pleasing to him. It is the least we can do!  Do not worship any Gods before me. EX 20:3…

Why in particular am I alive?

Each person has a role to fulfill and is the body of the Lord.  When we worship, we are drawn closer to God.  When we are close to the Lord our role in relation to him becomes clear. In the quiet of prayer, meditation, and worship (all parts of the same equation) we get in touch with ourselves apart from distractions.  During worship we confess our sins to the Lord, seek forgiveness, and ask to be restored. But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered, Psalm 130. At this point of surrender, we gain clarity.

What is my purpose?

When we worship, we are drawn closer to God.  We are doing what pleases the Creator.  In this moment of purity, the Lord will answer us, and we can hear because we are open to the Lord.  I am reminded of parents in relationship to their children.  A good mother and father want to do what will be best for their child to reach their full potential. It is innate.  However, if the child is obedient the parent becomes naturally more giving. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields. Matthew 13:23 God is the parent that can be petitioned for help, can remove obstacles, and aide in times of illness and strife but he is more likely to do so if our lives are made pure and holy by praising him first.

Worship is the act of praising God first.

-Written by Shira Pacult