10 More Practical Tips to Get the Most out of Your Worship
Continuing the list of worship tips from the culmination of the Christmas Worship Challenge, this post will help you remember and review action steps from the series.
11. Rejoice spontaneously.
Take a cue from Mary as she first receives the news of the soon-coming, Holy-Spirit conceived birth of the Messiah. First response, immediate and spontaneous—to exalt and magnify God.
12. Praise specifically.
Take note of specific ways God has worked in your life. Praise Him for particular attributes and works. Praise always takes our eyes off of ourselves and places our attention on God. Exalting God in the midst of our circumstances reminds our wandering souls that He has always been and always will be…faithful with the living grace of His mercy.
13. Reflect and pray responsively.
When Do I perceive Christ as He is revealed in Scripture, or do I see Him in light of my perceptions and experiences, which are hemmed in my own reasoning and interpretation of what I think I see, what I think I know?
14. Look deeply.
Look up key word definitions. Understanding meaning feeds depth of worship. With the access of great online resources, now looking up original language meanings is as simple as a few clicks on your computer. Here is a link for a free download of e-sword Bible software that makes it easy to look up Strong’s Definitions. A practical worship tool for sure.
15. Appreciate the beauty of nature: The Revelation of God.
In many ways, natural beauty is a call to worship and pulls forth a God-hungry response in our soul. Appreciating God’s creation nourishes faith and worship. Take delight in God’s beauty revealed all around you. Breathe deep, letting delight spark deep appreciation for the beauty of God. Let all things beautiful open the eyes of your soul to God’s goodness…and worship.
16. Let creating beauty become worship.
We reflect God’s image, and one aspect of that image is the desire to create beauty, demonstrated through things like artistry, craftsmanship, and music. Enjoy creativity and beauty. Pursue it with holiness and excellence. Remember that both the desire and the ability come from God.
17. Give God glory with whole-hearted praise.
Are you ready for this? This one may stretch you out of your comfort zone, but go with me on this. We need to learn to release our tied-up hearts in giving God glory and praise. Ask God to fill you with His Spirit, play some praise music, get your feet moving, and let it rip!
17. Worship is not a duty; it is a gift.
Attitude makes all the difference. Approach worship as a gift. If we truly realize the power and benefit of worship, we’d never stop!
18. Keep it simple.
Sometimes we make things, including worship, too complicated. Don’t be too picky–especially when it comes to personal preferences and styles.
19. Hear and respond.
Resist the temptation to let God’s truth go in one ear and out the other with a brief stop in our heart. Process what you hear; think about it and respond.
20. Make it known…share your story.
Tell your story, how He has broken into your darkness, your problems and failures, with the light of His merciful kindness–this is what the world needs. Tell the story with heart’s astounded and eyes open to the stunning wonder of God–this is the witness the world unknowingly craves.
Tomorrow we will summarize more of the worship tips from December’s posts.
10 Practical Tips to Deepen Your Worship Now
As promised, today begins a summary of the worship tips from The Christmas Worship Challenge. All of the worship tips can be applied in many ways. In order to help us get the most out of the time we invested in worship this month, it will be practical to have a list of the tips from the various posts. Over the next few days I will share the entire list.
1. Seek Him.
Seek Christ with intention and attention. Expect Jesus.
2. Rejoice.
“Rejoice with exceedingly great joy.” Ask God to fill your heart with joy of His Spirit, joy that is energized by appreciating the wonder of Christ.
3. Come in. Be intentional. Be focused.
Motivation and attention are keys for entering into the meaning of the words of Scripture. Participate. Don’t just hover at the door, almost in, but not quite. Come in. Get close. Get personal with Christ.
4. Worship with a whole-heart.
The more deeply we encounter the reality of Christ, the more spontaneous and true worship will be.
5. Open your treasures.
Open your heart, your time, and the desires of your heart. Lay them at His feet as an act of worship. “For where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”–Luke 12:34
6. Give Him your gifts.
Ask God to show you ways to give of yourself and your abundance, to give of your heart as you worship Him.
7. Obey God’s directions.
How can God work through your obedience to accomplish His will? How amazing that God chooses us to participate in fulfilling His Kingdom.
8. Look and Linger
The words are here for anyone to read, but only those who seek and treasure what they find will catch greater glimpses of God’s glory.
What do the words say? So simple, but such a great opportunity for worship. When you truly look at what is there your heart responds with worship.
9. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Loving God is our greatest command, and it is the source of our deepest worship. Resist the temptation of fragmented worship: mind without heart, heart lacking energy…
10. Choose to Believe
Choose to worship instead of worry. Instead of fearful or anxious thoughts, choose to rejoice because Christ is Immanuel, God with us. Remember that He is with you in everything that you do today. Enjoy His presence by faith.
Which one of these ways of worship draws your attention today? Take time to worship Christ using one of these ideas. Leave a comment and let us know which one you choose.
We Don’t Worship Alone
Discover the power of relational worship in this inspiring conclusion to the Christmas Worship Challenge. Start your New Year with worship with practical tips, Scripture reflections, and encouragement to press into deeper intimacy with God in every moment.
Begin Your New Year with Worship
I am overjoyed by the incredible feedback so many of you have shared about The Christmas Worship Challenge! A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who participated. Your engagement and reflections have made this journey so meaningful. Today’s post marks the conclusion of the challenge—for now. The last few days of the challenge will compile all the worship tools from this series into one convenient resource.
“Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’”
Galatians 4:6
We Don’t Worship Alone
When we worship in spirit and truth, whether through singing or other acts of devotion, we’re never alone. Our worship is a partnership with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, praising and glorifying the Father. The Spirit bears witness in and through us, transforming our offerings into a living song that touches the heart of God.
A Living Song: Relational Worship
In the intimate act of relational worship, we find a profound truth: worship is not about us striving on one side to please a distant God on the other. Instead, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and we are invited into God’s presence to behold His majesty. This is worship from a place of closeness and connection, yet I often realize how my worship falls short of this intimacy.
“Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.’”
John 14:23 (NLT)
Too often, my worship becomes diluted—tainted by pride, self-focus, or the distractions of daily life. It is burdened by circumstances, weighed down by fear, guilt, or sin, and hemmed in by the rigidity of routine or the noise of the world.
Worship Tip: Press Through, Press In
Worship doesn’t ignore life’s challenges; it invites us to bring them before God. In Scripture, new songs often emerge from moments of great trial or heartbreak. A new song can be an act of faith, a declaration of trust in God’s goodness even amid the unthinkable. Sometimes, a new song is a cry for help—a plea born of desperation yet brimming with hope.
“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; my lovingkindness and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and He in whom I take refuge…. Send out Your arrows and confuse them. Stretch forth Your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me out of great waters…. I will sing a new song to You, O God.”
Psalm 144:1-11 (portions)
Today’s Worship Challenge
As we step into a new year, let worship shape our beginning. Here are some practical ways to respond:
- Ask God for a new song. Invite Him to place fresh expressions of praise on your lips and in your heart.
- Worship in your distress. Offer your pain, grief, and burdens to the One who promises comfort and peace.
- Worship in celebration. Rejoice in His blessings and faithfulness with a heart full of gratitude.
- Worship in the mundane. Seek His presence in the ordinary moments of daily life, allowing even small acts to become offerings of devotion.
Let your heart open wide to worship the One who is always faithful. As this new year begins, trust that He will walk with you through every moment ahead. May your days be filled with joy and blessing as you lift your heart in praise.
Whatever season you find yourself in, know that God is inviting you to draw closer, to sing a new song, and to worship Him with all that you are. Embrace this invitation and let worship transform your year ahead.
Why You Should Sing in the New Year with a New Song
Sing a New Song?
What’s wrong with the old one? Does this mean that we need to be continually learning new songs? It can include that, but I believe that the psalmist is beckoning us toward something deeper than variety. Are we encouraged to sing new songs so that we don’t get bored with our worship? No not at all. After all, worship is for God, not for our entertainment.
I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the Lord.—Psalm 40:1-3
Singing is a significant aspect of worship, and it is filled with praising God. Have you ever thought about what it means to sing a new song to God?
Worship Tip: Sing your heart out!
You can sing this song.
You can simply write the song in a journal.
You can tell it to a friend.
A Song That is Personal
In many ways our personal song to the Lord can be an intimate conversation, full and meaningful with the nuances of words, chords, rhythms, and the meditations of our hearts. Written, spoken, whispered, shouted, or sung, a new song rises from a heart touched by God. How has God worked in your heart this past year?
Transformed
Rescued
Saved
Redeemed
Forgiven
Comforted
Healed
Freed
Blessed
A Song That is Relevant
To sing a new song is to sing a song that is alive with the fresh vibrancy of today.
A new song because each moment is new and daily we have opportunity and privilege to worship God in our now. What is now is new; it is intimate and immediate.
It is real.
It is always relevant because it flows forth from the relationship we have with God now. A new song can include our response to the revelation and experience that we have with God today. God is always current, always fresh, always present.
A Song That is Intimate
In many ways our personal song to the Lord can be an intimate conversation, full and meaningful with the nuances of words, chords, rhythms, and the meditations of our hearts, intensified through our emotions.
A Song of Testimony
Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day.
Many will see and fear
And will trust in the Lord.
A new song rings with the testimony of what God has done in our lives. This past year we have experienced so many blessings–so much to sing about.
A New Year’s Worship Challenge: Personalize it
Discover your new song. Personalize Psalm 40:1-3 and take one minute to write down your needs, problems, frustrations. What is your miry clay? What has bogged you down this past year? Just one minute.
Now take another minute to write down reasons that you praise, thank, appreciate, or worship God. How has He set your feet on solid rock? Maybe you will write this after the fact–He has already acted.
Maybe you are waiting on the Lord. David often praised God while he was still waiting, praised his Redeemer in faith, believing that God will indeed place that new song in his heart. Give faith-praise to God in anticipation of what He will do in this new year.
A new song.
Such a simple, yet powerful act of worship.
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The Worship of Gratitude
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe…—Hebrews 12:28 ESV Because God gives, I receive with grateful worship Unshakable. God...
Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child
As Christmas is almost upon us, let’s take a few minutes to take a peek at Christmas through the eyes of a child. We’re going to use my favorite literary tool, the anagram, to order our thoughts. C – Countdown Kids spend the...
Break Out of Your Worship Rut
Break free from a worship rut and rediscover the power of relational worship. This post explores practical tips to overcome routine, engage deeply with God, and start your New Year worship with renewed faith and fresh inspiration. Embrace heartfelt worship that transforms your spirit.
Break Free and Rediscover Relational Worship
It’s time to step out of the routine and experience worship that transforms. In today’s challenge, we’re diving into practical tips to break free from worship ruts and rediscover the heart of relational worship. Let’s leave behind autopilot faith and start the New Year with renewed inspiration and a deeper connection to God.
Do You Recognize the Signs of a Rut?
Life’s busyness can trap us in routines. Whether it’s at work, in our relationships, or even in our physical habits, repetition without renewal can dull our senses and diminish our joy. We’ve all felt it before:
At work: The same tasks, day in and day out, can leave us uninspired.
In relationships: We can take loved ones for granted, forgetting to see them with fresh eyes of appreciation.
In physical fitness: Sticking to the same workout routine leads to diminishing results—our muscles need new challenges to grow.
Our spiritual lives are no different. Just as changing up our exercise routine revitalizes our bodies, changing our worship practices can reawaken our spirits.
What Is a Worship Rut?
Have you ever found yourself tuning out during worship because you know exactly what to expect? Perhaps your prayers feel like they’re on repeat, your singing lacks heartfelt meaning, or you’re rushing through scripture just to check it off your to-do list.
When we disengage in worship, we lose the joy and transformative power it brings. Worship becomes a task rather than a life-giving experience. Over time, this lack of connection can lead to a waning faith, leaving us spiritually dry.
The Danger of Going Through the Motions
These verses highlight a common struggle: the temptation to go through the motions in worship. Routine can lead to disengagement, turning heartfelt worship into an empty activity. This is especially true during busy seasons like Christmas, when the weight of tasks and traditions can overshadow the beauty of connecting with God.
Are you singing familiar carols with glazed-over eyes? Are you skimming through the Christmas story, eager to move on to the next event? These are signs that it’s time to pause and refocus.
Worship Scriptures to Reflect On
Here are three powerful scriptures to guide us out of the rut and back into authentic worship:
Isaiah 42:20 “You have seen many things, but you do not observe them; your ears are open, but none hears.”
Pay attention to what God is showing you.
Be observant and mindful in worship.
Truly care about what you see and hear in your spiritual life.
Isaiah 29:13 “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.”
Worship isn’t about lip service; it’s about your heart.
Be real and vulnerable with God.
Avoid relying on rote traditions—instead, bring sincerity and passion.
Matthew 6:7 “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”
It’s not the quantity of words but the quality of your heart that matters.
Keep your prayers simple and sincere.
Put your faith in God’s power, not in your own methods.
Today’s Worship Challenge
Let’s break free from the rut! Here are some ideas to infuse fresh energy into your worship:
Change the setting: Spend time in nature, or find a quiet, new space for worship.
Incorporate creativity: Write your own prayer or song, journal your thoughts, or create art inspired by scripture.
Try a new approach: Explore a different style of worship music, practice silence and meditation, or study a lesser-known scripture passage.
Engage your senses: Light a candle, listen to instrumental music, or hold a tangible reminder of God’s promises.
Above all, discover what helps you feel closest to God and lean into it. Worship is meant to be dynamic and relational, not static or routine. Let’s approach it with open hearts and renewed minds.
Your Turn
What step will you take today to break out of your worship rut? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments. Together, we can inspire one another to embrace heartfelt, transformative worship—not just during Christmas, but every day of the year.
Believe God’s Promises: Faith and Peace Through Scripture
Discover the power of believing God’s promises and experiencing faith and peace through Scripture as you reflect on biblical promises for hope in this worship challenge.
With all the hustle of the season, taking a moment to focus on what it means to believe can refresh our hearts and deepen our worship. Today’s challenge will look a little different. We’ll walk through a “parade of Scripture”—a collection of God’s promises clothed in His glory, each marching before us like a grand band of truth.
As we read each verse, we’ll reflect on the faith-call of Christ and what it means to believe fully. Let’s begin by exploring the words of Jesus:
Believing God’s Promises
Jesus frequently spoke about the power of belief, calling people to trust Him fully. Let’s take a closer look at some of His words:
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?'” – John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?'” – John 11:40
“And Jesus said to him, ‘If You can? All things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, ‘I do believe; help my unbelief.'” – Mark 9:23-24
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” – John 14:1
These verses remind us that belief is more than an acknowledgment of God’s existence—it’s a confident trust in His character, His promises, and His ability to work all things for good.
Faith and Peace Through Scripture
The word believe in Scripture comes from the Greek pisteuo (πιστεύω), meaning to trust in, rely on, or entrust oneself to. True belief is active and transformational, leading us to live in alignment with God’s truth.
When we believe, peace follows. The biblical concept of peace, or shalom (שָׁלוֹם), reflects wholeness, completeness, and well-being. Peace flows from trust, as we release our worries into God’s capable hands and rest in His promises.
Jesus reassures us of this truth in John 14:27:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
Faith in God’s promises leads to the kind of peace that surpasses understanding—a rest that steadies our hearts even in uncertainty.
Biblical Promises for Hope
Unbelief can keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s peace, but responsive trust swings the door wide open. Let’s reflect on these verses as a “parade of Scripture,” allowing their truth to build our faith and fill us with hope:
Jeremiah 29:11-13
“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
I Believe Statement Example:
I believe, Lord, that You have good plans for my life—plans to bless me, not to harm me. I trust that You are guiding me toward a hopeful future, even when I can’t see the path ahead.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
I believe You are working all things for good in my life.
Psalm 73:26
“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”
I believe You are my strength and my portion forever.
Psalm 103:11-12
“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great are His mercy and loving-kindness toward those who reverently fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
I believe Your mercy is great, and my sins are completely forgiven.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”
I believe Your mercies are new every morning.
Hebrews 9:28
“… Christ died once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for Him.”
I believe You will return, Lord, bringing salvation and eternal life.
Worship Tip: Do What It Says
Experience more faith, peace, and hope as you follow these worship tips to believe God’s promises today.
Ask for Greater Faith: When you struggle to believe, pray, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” – Mark 9:24
Resist Worry Through Worship: Anchor your faith in God’s promises and let worship shift your focus from fear to trust.
Today’s Worship Challenge
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Pray this verse, then rephrase the promises above into your own “I believe” statements. As you speak these truths aloud, let God’s biblical promise of hope fill you with faith and peace.
Here’s an example for the first promise in the list above:
I Believe Statement Example
I believe, Lord, that You have good plans for my life—plans to bless me, not to harm me. I trust that You are guiding me toward a hopeful future, even when I can’t see the path ahead.
What faith and peace scripture will you choose to believe today? Share your “I believe” statements in the comments, and let’s encourage one another in faith. See you tomorrow for the next step in the Christmas Worship Challenge!
Your Christmas Worship Challenge Roadmap
Worship Like a Wise Man
The Glory of Christ
Both Child and Mighty God
Four Ways to Love God
God With Us
Two Ways to Exalt Christ This Christmas
A God who Speaks
Let Beauty Spark Your Worship Today
Make it Beautiful
Give God Glory: Put on You’re Dancing Shoes
A Lesson From the Christmas Shepherds
Make it Known: Another Lesson from the Shepherds
Treasuring and Pondering: Meditation of the Heart
Fullness of Grace: The Divine Multiplier
How to Find Joy
Worship by Giving the Gift of Prayer
Believing God: The Rest of Peace
Break Out of Your Worship Rut
Christmas Through the Eyes of a Child
The Worship of Gratitude
Celebrate Christmas: Give God the Gift of Yourself
Why You Should Sing in the New Year with a New Song
We Don’t Worship Alone
Practical Tips to Deepen Your Worship Now
More Tips to Deepen Your Worship Now
Worship You Don’t Want to Miss