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Hey friends and family! It’s Mannie here, and I’ve got something exciting to share.
You know how much I love being in church, worshiping alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ. But today, I want to dig into something deeper: How does God want us to worship Him? Not just the way we’re used to, but the way He’s actually shown us in His Word.
I’ll share my story, reflect on scripture, and give you tools to step into this kind of worship. So let’s dive in and see how aligning our worship with God’s desires can bring breakthrough and transformation.
My Journey Into Praise and Worship
Growing up, I was always that kid running down the church aisle as soon as the music started. My parents were in full-time ministry, so we practically lived at church. And honestly, praise and worship were my favorite parts. Even back then, I loved the energy and freedom I felt when the music played.
But let’s fast forward to my teenage years. I drifted far from God, got caught in a destructive cycle of drug addiction, and ended up in and out of jail. It was a dark, hopeless season. I’d lost my way, but God hadn’t lost sight of me.
Through the faithfulness of my parents and a program called Teen Challenge, God began to pull me out of that pit. I’ll never forget my first worship service there. Seeing these guys—ex-drug addicts like me—lifting their hands and singing to God with everything they had, I thought they were crazy! I told myself, “Nope, I’m not doing that.”
But God had other plans.
Reflection
Have you ever resisted worshiping God because it felt uncomfortable or unfamiliar? What’s holding you back?
Tool for Growth
This week, challenge yourself to take one small step out of your comfort zone in worship. Whether that’s raising your hands, singing louder, or simply closing your eyes to focus on Him, give God your attention and surrender.
Scripture to Meditate on
Psalm 68:19 – “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
The Moment Worship Changed Everything
At Teen Challenge, during one of those worship services, the leader said something that hit me: “God wants to meet you right where you are.”
That day, I challenged God. I said, “If You want me to surrender, show Yourself to me.” And He did. It was like a ton of bricks hit me. I fell to my knees, lifted my hands, and said, “I love You, Jesus.”
That moment of surrender changed everything. My burdens felt lighter, and for the first time in years, I felt free.
Reflection
What does surrender look like in your life? Are there areas you’re still holding on to?
Tool for Growth
Write down one thing you’re carrying that you need to lay at God’s feet. During your next worship time, physically lift your hands as a sign of giving it to Him.
Scripture to Meditate on
Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
The Power of Biblical Praise
Did you know there are different Hebrew words for praise, and each shows us how God wants to be worshiped? Let me break down three that have deeply impacted me:
Halal – This means to shine, to boast, to celebrate. It’s joyful and loud, like David dancing before the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:14).
- Reflection: How often do we hold back because we’re worried about what others might think?
- Tool: Next time you worship, try clapping, shouting, or even dancing—yes, dancing! Let go of self-consciousness.
- Scripture: Psalm 150:1-2 – “Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.”
Tehillah – This is singing praises, often with instruments. It’s about lifting our voices to God, uniting in worship through song.
- Reflection: Are you engaging your heart when you sing, or are you just going through the motions?
- Tool: Choose a psalm (like Psalm 23) and sing it out loud during your quiet time. It doesn’t have to sound perfect; God cares about your heart, not your pitch.
- Scripture: Psalm 22:3 – “Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
Barak – This is kneeling in reverence, blessing God. It’s an act of humility, showing God we honor Him above all else.
- Reflection: When was the last time you physically knelt in prayer or worship?
- Tool: Take five minutes this week to kneel before God in quiet worship. Bless His name and acknowledge His greatness.
- Scripture: Psalm 95:6 – “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
Praise That Brings Breakthrough
Praise isn’t just for Sunday mornings. It’s a weapon. Look at Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They were beaten, chained, and locked in prison, but instead of complaining, they praised God. And what happened? The prison shook, their chains fell off, and the jailer’s entire family came to Christ.
Reflection
What would change in your life if you started praising God in the middle of your toughest battles?
Tool for Growth
The next time you’re struggling, start praising God out loud. Declare His faithfulness and remind yourself of His promises.
Scripture to Meditate on
2 Chronicles 20:22 – “As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”
A Challenge for You
Let me leave you with this: Worship isn’t about what feels good to us; it’s about what pleases God. He’s given us the blueprint in His Word. So here’s my challenge:
This week, step out of your comfort zone. Praise God in a way you’ve never done before. Lift your hands, kneel, sing a psalm, or even dance. Let go of fear, pride, or hesitation, and watch how God meets you in that place of surrender.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us how to worship You in spirit and in truth. Teach us to surrender our preferences and embrace Your ways. Let our praise bring glory to Your name and breakthrough to our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now it’s your turn. Go get your worship on! Let’s see how praising God His way transforms our lives, our families, and our communities. Be blessed, friends!
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