by Amy Wellner

Created on: June 12, 2010

When people hear the word "worship" they typically think of the musical part of a church service.

We read about worship throughout the Bible. One of the most common verses is found in Romans 12: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Here, Paul is talking about living our lives as an act of worshiping God.

Another popular verse concerning worship is found in John 4: "God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

While musical worship in a right spirit, and with truthful words, is important, God also finds non-traditional ways of worship as acceptable.

Writing and playing your own music as worship is an easy deviation from traditional worship. Our true thoughts and intentions are often uncovered, and can help us draw closer to God. Trying a different instrument than you normally play can also lead to new creativity.

Similar to creating music is creating art as an act of worship. God loves it when we use our talents and skills to bring Him glory. Painting, drawing, sketching, or sculpting about an aspect of God's character, or a favorite Bible verse or story can lead us into a closer relationship with God.

Experiencing God's creation can also be an act of worship. Discovering the world that God created can lead us to see Him in new ways. Whether on a hike in the hills or lying on the beach at the sea, opportunities to see nature are all around us. Take an adventure to a new location, like a river or forest. Or, visit a favorite spot at a different time, like a city park at dawn or a lake at dusk.

Giving can be an act of worship. This includes giving money, time or other resources. Helping a fellow human when they need a favor, or even just blessing them with a random act of kindness, can be pleasing to God and an act of worship. Our surrender or sacrifice of that which we love

There are many more non-traditional ways to worship God. All the examples provided can be done alone or with others. The "what, where and how" of worship is not as important as the "why." God knows our hearts and our motives, and is pleased when we worship Him with good and clear intentions.

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