Before we can know whether we are ready to worship God, we must first understand what Biblical worship truly is.

In Scripture, worship involves giving honor, reverence, and devotion to God. It is expressed through both outward actions and inward attitudes.

Outward  acts of worship include prayer, praise, singing, teaching, preaching, and service.

Inward  worship involves submission, adoration, obedience, and recognizing God’s supreme worthiness as our Creator and Redeemer.

The Bible shows that there are two kinds of worship: Authorized and Unauthorized.

Unauthorized worship is worship that God has not approved (Matthew 15:9–19; Leviticus 10:1–2; Colossians 2:23).

Authorized worship is worship done in “spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

We are commanded to worship on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7). Other times of worship, such as Wednesday services, are determined by the elders.

The New Testament gives examples and instruction for five elements of public worship:

• Teaching/Preaching (1 Corinthians 4:17)
• Singing (Ephesians 5:19)
• Prayer (Acts 12:5)
• The Lord’s Supper — observed on Sunday (Acts 20:7)
• Giving/Collection — on Sunday (1 Corinthians 16:1–2)
• 
  

This is a brief overview of what worship is and what God approves.

Worship is a privilege and a blessing given to us by God. He takes worship seriously, and so should we.

Preparing Our Hearts for Worship

Here are some questions to consider when thinking about our worship.

Do we pray for our worship services before the day arrives?

We should pray in advance that our worship will be pleasing to God. Pray for those who are leading, and pray for everyone who will attend.

Are we often late or rushed, arriving at worship already stressed or irritated? If so, that mindset can affect both us and our families.

Preparation can make a difference.

• Prepare for Sunday on Saturday.
• Lay out clothes the day before.
• Prepare breakfast ahead of time for Sunday morning.
• Have showers done Saturday night, especially for the children.
• Set alarms early enough to allow unhurried time.
• Avoid staying out late on Saturday night, which leaves everyone tired and unfocused.
• For Wednesday evening, consider putting supper in the crockpot that morning.

Being late, sleepy, distracted, or foggy because we chose not to prepare does not reflect the honor God deserves.

Our Attitude Toward Worship

What is our attitude?

We should never say, “We have to go to worship.” Instead, we should say, “We get to go to worship.”

Our attitude shapes our family’s view of the church. If worship feels like a burden to us, it will likely feel that way to them as well.

How consistent is our attendance?

Do we attend only when it is convenient?
Do we allow other activities to take the place of worship?

If we do, what message does that send to our spouse, our children, and most importantly, to God? Choosing other things over Him places Him second.

When we travel, do we plan around worship times? Do we look for congregations where we will be staying?  Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to forsake the assembly — even during vacations.

Our Conduct During Worship

Are we reverent when we attend?

Do we dress modestly and appropriately, avoiding drawing attention to ourselves rather than to worship?

Are we checking phones for texts or social media during worship?

Do we come expecting entertainment, or do we come prepared to worship and serve?

Are we talking during the service and distracting others?

Do we try to take care of personal needs beforehand so we do not unnecessarily disrupt worship?

Do we participate in the singing and think about the words we are singing?

Do we listen attentively to the prayers and the lesson? Taking notes can help maintain focus.

These are only a few areas to reflect upon as we worship our amazing God.

There are several of these points I personally need to improve. If I truly want my worship to be pleasing and acceptable to God — and I do — then I must be more intentional in preparing for it.

It is easy to take for granted how freely and comfortably we are able to gather for worship today, especially when compared to Christians in Bible times who often faced persecution.  We are richly blessed. God loves us and provides for us abundantly.

Let us not approach worship casually.

Let us approach it prepared.

Let us approach it gratefully.

Worship to God — Let’s Be Ready

-Pam Savage, February, 2026