Do you go to church every week? I certainly think there’s value in corporate worship, but sometimes, it seems like people lose sight of the many other ways to worship and celebrate God.
I’ve certainly been judged for not attending church every single week. In fact, I’ve even been told that I’m not a good Christian because of it. I do love the beauty of the Mass. And if my health would allow it, I’d love to go every week because it always brings me such peace and joy. But I do know that there are many other ways to express my love for God.
Ways to Worship and Celebrate God
Follow the church calendar.
This is one of my favorites. I find that following the rhythms of the liturgical calendar really keeps me in tune with Biblical truth and with God. I have traditions that I follow during times like Lent and Advent that keep me grounded and keep me reaching higher all at the same time. These different times during the church calendar provide some stability and consistency because they come around every year and there’s some comfort in that. At the same time, because we move through different periods of the calendar, they help to keep things fresh and moving forward.
Use music.
Join a choir. Sing with your family. Sing on your own. Music has a way of making us feel – a song can make us feel sad or happy or peaceful or a multitude of other emotions. Not only can music cause feelings in you, it can help you express feelings too! When you’re feeling separated from God, music can help to bridge that gap. It’s a great way to show gratitude and joy for all that He has done for you.
Engage in solitary worship.
Getting together with fellow believers can be uplifting to be sure, but I find value in solitary worship too. That private time – just me and God – can really help bring me to the next level in my spiritual relationship. Spending time alone in nature is one thing that instantly takes me to a place of worship. I can’t help but feel joy and gratitude when surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation. Sitting alone in church or just alone in your room (or other buildings – I always strongly felt God’s presence in my grandma’s house) is another option.
Prayer.
We sometimes forget that this is a way of worshipping God. When we take the time to bring our troubles to God, to ask for His help, to say thank you, to say I love you, whenever we take the time to talk to God, we are worshipping Him. Offer up small, quick prayers as you go through your daily life and you can celebrate Him all day long.
Worship with Your Body.
Walking. Dancing. Yoga. There are so many options here. Get in the moment and be mindful of God’s presence and just let yourself move. Some churches even offer classes that combine praise music, devotionals, and movement.
Bible Study
Learning more about God through studying the Bible is a simple way to worship God. Think about any of the relationships in your life. Learning more about the other person, finding out what is important to them and demonstrating an interest in it is a great way to show that you care. The same is true in our spiritual relationships.
Create art.
Making art is a fantastic way to express yourself and your love for God. The wonderful thing about it is that there is a celebration of God in both the creation of the art and the enjoyment of the completed artwork. Don’t let what you consider a lack of artistic talent stop you. Enjoy the experience! And each time you see the finished product, remember the joy and worship that went into its creation.
Observe the Sabbath.
Taking even just a 20 minute Sabbath can be a powerful way to worship God. A Sabbath means turning from things of the world and taking time to reflect and relax in the love of the Lord. How could there be anything more powerful than time that is devoted to God?
For most people, taking part in a variety of worship methods can help make it a fuller experience. Finding more ways to celebrate God can enrich the spiritual relationship and bring us closer to Him.
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