Worshipping in a Fellowship

<< Covenant
Exploring Salvation

Page Contents

Also bowed Yehoshaphat nostrils to ground also all Yehudah also dwellers Yerushalaim falling unto faces Yahveh unto bowing unto Yahveh.
2 Chr 20:18 (WGV)
  • Defining Worship

  • Actions of Worship

  • Worshipping in a Fellowship



    Defining Worship

    The assembling of one selves in reverence to the Almighty. It is the giving and the humbling of oneself to Him. It is letting Him be master. The consequences of such are dramatic and powerful because He is then free to move among believers.
    Defining Worship

    Worship is a Relationship

    Many definitions of worship will mention a set of ceremonies, prayers, or other religious methods of expressing gratitude or appreciation to the Almighty. However, worship is much more than a set of routines. It is a relationship with the One Most High. Like any relationship, it can grow by spending time together or fade by spending time apart. It should become a relationship like that of a dear friend or of a spouse which is able to share even the most intimate parts of life with comfort and ease. Yet, at the same time, this relationship recognizes that He is greater than oneself and is to have the authority of being our Master.

    Worship is a Discipline

    A discipline is something that can be choosen to learn. Discipline is not an end in itself, but is a method of reaching that end goal through training and practice. The disciplines of worship such as reading Scripture, prayer, fasting, and even being faithful all have a goal of bringing us closer to the One Most High and of improving our relationship with Him.


    Actions of Worship

    Action in the Hebrew Language

    The Hebrew language is very rich in meaning and expression. The Hebrew perspective is not one of just thinking about something but instead focuses on doing something. The words involved with worship include the motion or use of the body. These actions and motions are symbolic of what is in the heart. In many places a friend is greeted with a handshake, a family member with a hug, and a spouse with a kiss. If this is not done when it is expected, then it suggests that something is wrong in the relationship. How the Almighty is greeted shows where our relationship with Him stands as well.

    To Worship

    The word worship in Hebrew, shawkaw, refers to the physical action of making oneself low such as bowing deeply or lying prostrate. In fact, lying face down is one of the most defenseless positions possible placing one at the mercy of whomever is near. It is a show of humbleness and submission and symbolizes that He is our Master. It can be noted that the other words used in worship can also be used with other people as a sign of respect, but shawkaw is used only with the Almighty.

    To Bless

    Within the Scriptures we see that a person can bless the Almighty or that the Almighty can bless the person. A blessing, the word baruch in hebrew, is generally associated with saying or speaking something good about another person or the Almighty. However, the physical action associated with this word is that of kneeling.

    To Favor

    The Hebrew word kesed is translated many ways including kindness, mercy, and favor. The action associated with this word is to bow the head. It shows that we like or even love another, will treat them well, and are yielding ourselves in favor of another.

    To Praise

    The Hebrew word yawdaw is commonly translated as giving praise, thanks, or confess. It has the action of extending an open hand. Each of these suggest lifting something up to the Almighty in a hand that is open to give and receive.

    Worshipping in a Fellowship

    Group Worship

    Men, women, and children can come together as a group to worship the Almighty. The different forms of worship such as singing, praising, reading Scripture, and sharing testimony are appropriate within a mixed group. The people in that group all come together on an equal level without one being an authority over another.

    Todd Elder is a believer in the Messiah who wants to help people understand Scripture and know the message of Salvation. For more information from the Fellowship series, please visit the website http://www.exploringsalvation.info and look under 'Covenant'.
    Additional Information