Worship: Not Where, But How

Devotionals by Donna Patrick Contributing Writer January 25, 2012

When I really took a close look at the who, when, where, why, and how questions surrounding praise & worship, I found it interesting that the Word of God answers all of those questions on the praise side; but not on the worship side. Thus far in my Christian experience I have only found the who, how, and why questions answered when it comes to the worship of God. We worship Him in spirit and in truth because, according to scripture, that's what He wants. In today's passage the Samaritan woman at the well was more concerned about geography (where worship was to take place). That wasn't the issue then, and it isn't now. We know that in heaven the praises and the worship of God are ongoing in the literal, eternal presence of a Holy God. Here on earth we can pick our times of worship, both public and private.

But worship has never been about the "place" because many gather at the "place" of worship, but don't worship. Some may praise for a minute, but their praise doesn't travel with them when they leave. So what's the point here? The point is that God has given us just one criterion and one reason for worship: He wants us to worship Him in spirit and in truth - Holy Spirit-led worship, and according to the truth of scripture. His concern is not with a building, or tent, or any other man-made fixture or location. Both praise and worship begin in a sincere heart that seeks to stay connected to Him. He's not even concerned with what day of the week it is. He is worthy of our worship every day.

When your heart is sincere toward Him you can worship wherever you are because you understand it isn't about location; it is about obedience to His one how-to in worship: "in spirit and in truth."