Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love to worship the Lord. Especially with lots of movement. It’s my favorite part of the church service. But, I acknowledge that many do not feel the same way. Still we are called to worship Jesus. (Psalm 22, 100)

Have you ever wondered, are there other ways to worship besides singing in church?

Dictionary definitions of worship include words like honor, reverence, homage, respect. I like to think of worship as an outward expression of thanks to Jesus and the The Holy Trinity for all they have done and are doing. Can you think of other things that might classify as worship to the Lord?

After doing some search of the scriptures, it turns out that the “worship” portion of a church service is not the only way to worship. There are several examples of outward styles of worship found in the Bible. There’s bowing in Psalm 95:6-7, Matthew 28:9, and Revelation 4:10 and 14:7. And words we speak as in Matthew 14:33, or don’t speak as in Habakkuk 2:20 and Ecclesiastes 5:1-2. Let’s not forget about the Psalms, which are filled with songs, prayers, declarations of God’s blessings, and acknowledgement of The Almighty. Just reading them and other scripture out loud is worship.

In other words, worship can happen when we praise the Lord through our actions and our words, not just songs. A previous church I attended says they worship with their tithes, time and talents.

Oh, that statement reminds me I haven’t mentioned the money aspect of worship. 1 Chronicles 29:1-5 and Nehemiah 10:38-39 mention that subject. It’s a tough topic to broach. If you’re not already giving to The Lord, think about it and ask the Lord for an amount. I know from my own experience that He meets us where we’re at and grows us from there.

Moving on from money, I recently re-read some old sermon notes that referred to 1 Corinthians 10:31. The speaker said that what we eat and drink is also an act of worship as it can bring honor and glory to God.

In the end, what really matters is that Jesus loves us no matter how we show our worship and love. Those actions we think are far from worship could be the exact thing that gets His attention – something that matters to Him. Like making a phone call to check on someone. Or, sending a text message you hope brings a smile to the recipient. Staying late or arriving early at church to set-up for an activity. I think all these options are part of what Jesus intended when He spoke to the Samaritan woman in John 4:21-24. If you haven’t already, start thinking of these examples as ways to celebrate the God who has made a way for us to live in heaven with Him.

From what I’ve shared, I can see how worship is not a cut-and-dry one-way-only action. Can you? There should be freedom in our daily worship. I know some days are easier than others to allow worship to flow freely. Let’s all try to find new ways to show God how we love Him and give Him our thanks and appreciation for Jesus.

With Him there is always hope.