What do I do for worship?

Hello friends,

I left my "mega church" almost a year ago now. In the months prior to my departure, my perspective on worship had been changing. I was growing tired of what seemed like a lot of me-centered worship (ironic considering the purpose), and I had been wanting something deeper.

The thing is, it's been about nine months, and I realize my worship spirit has been barely attended to.

I want to give God something lovely. I want to give Him something pure. I want something that honors Him. The thing is, I don't know what to do or where to go.

Does anyone know any true, God-honoring worship that I can maybe put on my iPod? In some ways, I'm not sure what to look for or what to do, what to buy, etc. I suppose I'm posting because I feel a little lost here. I just want to honor God.

Going down to some real Worship 101, how do you worship? That's a very basic question, but I had grown up in an environment that was meant to pump the emotions, drive with loud music, rely on repetition, and create some flash point expectation of the manifestation of the Spirit. I need to relearn how to worship. What do I do?

Thank you.

Αναστασις

Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: . . . .

Did they have ipods when the Scriptures were written? Have you ever read a commandment to worship God with an ipod?

Read the Bible and praise Him through His word. Sing His words back to Him. There is NOTHING we can give Him, He made it all. Honor His Son and Praise His holy Name.

You do not need anything to worship God. Just a broken spirit and a submissive heart. Unlearn all you believe you know about worship and do it His way.

Kind regards,
white stone

Worship is worth-ship. It is acknowledging
GOD'S greatness, His majesty, His wondrous
worth!! We worship when we give GOD our
hearts in love, our minds in truth, and our
spirits in service~!!

How do you worship you ask. It sounds like in your case it would be wise to separate worship from music. Certain groups call the playing of music the "worship" but that just degrades true Christian worship, which involves prayer, listening, reading and obeying your Bible, singing to God, and the clear sense of walking with his Spirit all throughout the day.

I don't mean to contradict myself by pointing you to some music, but when you have separated music from worship and want some godly listening, it can be hard to find but it is out there. Be patient and wait on the Lord to direct you. You could start with the "godly music" section on this site where all of the music is free. I recommend Abigail Miller. There is also a site www.godlychristianmusic.com with some of the same and some different selections, all free. Check out Jeff W here and I think there also.

i think perhaps i understand where you're coming from. I also i'm wearied by the very 'me-centered' songs used in church. There are songs, easily accessible, from itunes etc. One of my all time favorites is 'Agnus Dei' by Michael W. Smith. Here's a youtube link: That's him at the piano.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPBmFwBSGb0&feature=related

Like the brethren said, worship comprises the study of the Word, acts of service, work ethic etc....music is just one bit of our worship.

will post other songs later.

Worship is a state of being. This is why you have found the lack of it like saw dust in your mouth. Worship means like a dog at the hand of his master. There is a big difference between worshippers and entertainers. Are they trying to look good, sound good, or touch the heart of God? Who is being enthroned?

You will find what you are looking for in His presence, and you don't need music for that. Just waiting in His presence in quiet is enough. But I love to use some "worship" music to help me enter His presence.

Here are a few of my favorite worshippers:

Alberto & Kim Rivera ( My fav, "Draw Near")
http://www.cupbearer.com/html/riveras.htm

Vince Gibson
http://www.abidingglory.com/events/index.cfm?page=vincegibson&gateway=33&parent_gateway=3&submenuheader=0&event_cat=8

Don Potter
http://potterhausmusic.net/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=167&osCsid=0d13875253880421759acb1c45b6279e

Evan Earwicker
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dance-with-me/id266358445

here is some things to consider. http://youtube.com/watch?v=20bsWInZMYI&feature=channel

Hi Anastasis...

For worship, I don't think that anyone is "confined" by what they should or should not do. Outward worship is simply the expression of our inner love, adoration and surrender to God. There are no "rules" for how to worship God (although public gatherings should be always be conducted without confusion via decency and order).

Worship and praise can be conducted with any of the outward displays mentioned in the book of Psalms....but it can also be done in quietness too. It can be accompanied by tears...or songs of joy.

For me, the best times of worship have always been when I am alone in my prayer closet. I certainly enjoy public worship too, but the level of intimacy is often affected slightly by the things going on around me. I don't mind worshiping with others; however, it often seems like pastors, congregations and/or "worship leaders" are more concerned with the outward manifestations of worship rather than whether or not it is done "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23).

We worship the Lord in the sanctuaries and cathedrals of our minds, hearts and spirits. Of course, that worship often makes it way out of our mouths...or even our hands. I play the guitar and piano. When I play to the Lord, I want to always make sure that every push of the piano keys, every strut of the guitar strings and every syllable that I utter is given to Him as a gift.

When I was a college and graduate student, I used to take my guitar outside during the evening (whereas not to violate dorm noise rules) and just find a secluded place on campus and just pour out my heart to God through the guitar. Ever-so-often, someone would pass by and listen. It often opened the door to share the Lord. I would be asked, "What are you doing?" I would usually say that I was singing out my worship to God.

Now that I am married, I do have a time of worship with my wife. It is often in the morning...or in the evening. As blessed as this is, I am also aware of the presence of my wife during those times. When we eventually have children, we will certainly gather together for a family time of worship too. Now, I still like to find a time to get alone...in my closet...to pray and worship in intimacy. Of course, I do this with my wife's cooperation and encourage her to do the same.

Be encouraged, Anastasis! God is less concerned with HOW we worship and more with WHY. Is it an expression of the purity of our love?

Reading your original post, I would like to add this note from Evan Roberts, written in the midst of Revival and addressing the importance of Worship as it relates to revival. How is this for confirmation of how God is leading you?

I would love a thread of such letters written by those God used and written "in the midst". They show a lot about many things including the author (This identified an obsticle, solution, messages were given, Robert's letter writing tempers the usual portrayal of him).

Hummmm. I'm thinking revival may be in your future :D

Loughor, Wales.
Nov. 14, ‘05.

Rev. F. Bartleman.

My Dear Comrade,
What can I say that will encourage you in this terrible fight? I find it is a most awful one. During the last few days I feel as though a deluge of sin has swept over our land. This to me, proves that the kingdom of the evil one is besieged on every side. Oh! the millions of prayers; not simply the form of prayer, but the soul finding its way right to the White Throne. People in Wales can pray during the last year. May the dear Lord bless you with a mighty, downpouring.

In Wales it seems as if the Holy One rests upon the congregation awaiting the opening of the hearts of the followers of Christ.

We had a mighty downpouring of the Holy Spirit last Saturday night. This was preceded by the correcting of their views of true worship:

(1) To give unto God; not to receive.

(2) To please God; not to satisfy ourselves. Therefore, looking to God, and forgetting the Enemy, and also the fear of man, we prayed the Lord’s prayer, and the third time the Spirit descended.

I pray God to hear your prayer, to keep your faith strong, and to save California.

May the zeal of God do so.

I remain yours in the fight,

EVAN ROBERTS.