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God’s Five Acts of Worship
If you are familair with “Church Speak”, you are familar with the phrase, “the 5 acts of worship” – preaching, praying, singing, contribution, and the Lord’s supper.
Some go so far as to say worship is defined by these 5 acts collectively done. Some even say these are the only acts of worship. Such a flawed understanding of worship is not the aim of this devotional. I have a different flaw to eradicate, one that is probably more unconsciously committed than we realize. That is, we define worship one-sidedly – our side – what we do. We preach. We pray. We sing. We contribute. We observe the Lord’s supper.
Worship is not one-sided. Worship is also not just observed and accepted by God. God is participating in our worship! If we are involved in any or all 5 acts of worship, then what is God doing during His 5 acts of us worshipping?
1. Preaching
If we are preaching scripture, we are preaching God-breathed words (2 Timothy 3:16). His word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). Ever hear someone pray for a preacher’s “ready recollection”? Is God helping the preacher?
2. Praying
If we are praying God is listening. The Holy Spirit intercedes (Romans 8:26). Jesus mediates (1 Timothy 2:1-5).
3. Singing
Jesus sings in the congregation (Hebrews 2:12)! Let’s repeat that, Jesus sings in the congregation!
4. Contribution
If our giving is only out of abundance, easy, and under complusion, then the following does not apply. Read 2 Corinthians 8-9. God gave grace so the poor Macedonians could give grace. Twice their contribution is called an “act of grace” (2 Cor.8:6,7). Giving is a practical grace from God (Romans 12:6-8).
5. Lord’s supper
What did Jesus prophecy to His apostles? “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom” (Mattthew 26:29). Is Jesus with us in His supper?
We don’t need fog machines, mood lighting, and praise bands to make worship attractive. God makes it attractive by being active in our worship.
1 Corinthians 5:24 – “God is certainly among you”.
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