What Is Worship?

“Worship” is a verb that can be defined as “to render religious reverence and homage to.” Another definition is “to feel an adoring reverence or regard for (any person or thing).“

As a Christian, that “person or thing” would actually be three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) existing as one God.

Within the Christian faith, there are many views of worship.

We use it as both a nouns and a verb. In more liturgical denominations, there are rules outlined in how one should worship. On the other end, in more charismatic circles, one would be free to express his or her worship in whichever way they feel led in the moment.

Between those two bookends, we have the full spectrum of worship styles, guidelines, and techniques (if we would be willing to go that far).

So, what qualifies as worship?

Yesterday, I was reminded of a group of Christian artists, named “I Am Terrified“. They released a song (including a music video) over a decade ago titled “To The Service“. Take a moment to read through the song lyrics before I continue.

“Come in and take off your shoes, Make your way down from the masses
In through the halls, through the courts, Into His presence
Wash your feet, wash your hands, Make yourself new for the glory
And fear the One, fear the One

Are you afraid of Him now?, I’ve had the best case of
It’s coming around, I swear it’s coming back around
It’s coming around, And it’s taking its toll
Push back the stone

When was the last time we all, Prepared for the way
When is the next time we’ll fall, In awe by Your nail-scarred hands
And we will watch Your feet touch the ground

We have seen through the depths and through the guards, To the service
So we can lift up our hands and praise the One, Who has saved us
I can finally say, You are worth more than riches or gold to me
Oh can’t You see?

And we will worship, Like it’s the last time we will”
(To The Service, I Am Terrified, 2009)

These are incredible lyrics!

Now, I am sure that most of you are taken aback by the incredible lyrical content of this song. It is apparent at all fronts that these men deeply desire to worship their Lord and Saviour.

At a time where many see God as some sort of buddy to keep in one’s back pocket, these men have the desire to bring back the fear and reverence for our awesome God.

This band takes its mission very seriously. So much so, that they would name themselves “I Am Terrified” based on Job 23:14-15.

Now for the best news (for some):

This band is of the hard-rock genre. That’s right! All of these deep, meaningful lyrics about our Lord are matched with rapidly rhythmic drum and bass lines, face-melting guitar solos, and melodic vocals mixed with yelling and screaming.

Does that surprise you? Does it not sit right with you somehow? Does it concern you in some way? Can God truly be glorified and dare I say it, worshiped through this method? Before you fully make up your mind, I suggest watching the “To The Service” music video embedded below.

• For some of you, it might be an easy step forward to see that these men are in fact, in a state of worship.
• For others, this may be a stretch that gives you a week of brain fodder to chew on.

Regardless of your personal opinion or preference, I’d ask that you consider the heart condition of these men. Watch and listen as they literally, cry out to God in worship.

Lastly, note that the video is filmed in a traditional chapel with stain-glass windows. Provoking further thought, this setting brings their new form of worship into the old liturgical place of worship.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Do you believe there is a style of music that should be left outside of worship?
• Do you believe God prefers listening to a certain type of music?
• What musical styles should be excluded from worship and why?