What is worship?

What is worship? We hear this word a lot in our churches . . . But can we actually define it? 

What Is Worship? considers worship as a way of life shaped by who God is and what He has done. Beginning with the conviction that God needs nothing from us, the study asks why He nevertheless calls His people to worship. The answer lies in relationship: worship turns our attention towards God, acknowledges our dependence upon Him and gives fitting expression to His worth.

Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4 provides an important centrepiece. Worship is no longer tied to a particular place; through Christ, believers can know God and worship Him “in spirit and truth”. This booklet follows that into everyday discipleship, where time with God, fellowship with other Christians, serving others and faithful obedience all become expressions of a life oriented towards Him.

This resource includes:

• a biblical definition of worship beyond music and church services
• a closer look at Jesus’ teaching in John 4
• reflection on worship “in spirit and truth”
• practical examples of worship expressed through everyday life
• encouragement to make Christ, rather than personal performance, the foundation of worship

A shared invitation 

Our Daily Bread Ministries wants to accompany you as Scripture moves from something you read into something that forms the whole of life. We make resources like this freely available so that anyone can grow in their knowledge of God. If you would like to support that work, your donation helps us continue creating and sharing Bible resources without charge.