Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8600 Prayer and worship of the believer  »  8622 worship  »  8625 worship, acceptable attitudes in

True worship is not the mechanical repetition of rituals, but should be wholehearted and reverent. It should be based upon trustful and obedient lives, in that obedience is itself to be seen as an act of worship.

Worship should be in accordance with God's commands

Genesis 22:2 See also Genesis 12:1,7-8; Deuteronomy 30:16-20; 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalm 40:6-8; Jeremiah 7:2; Daniel 3:28; Acts 13:2; Romans 12:1

Worship should not be mechanical

John 4:23-24 See also Hebrews 10:1

Worship should give God the honour due to him

1 Chronicles 16:29 pp Psalm 96:8-9

Worship of mere human devising is unacceptable

Isaiah 29:13 See also Leviticus 10:1; Matthew 15:7-9 pp Mark 7:6-7; Philippians 3:3; Colossians 2:23

Worship should be orderly and reverent

1 Corinthians 14:40 See also 1 Chronicles 16:37-42; 1 Kings 18:30-39; 1 Corinthians 14:26

Worship should be grounded in godly and obedient living

Micah 6:6-8; Romans 12:1 See also Psalm 15:1-5; Psalm 24:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:10

The proper attitude of worshippers

Preparation for worship

1 Corinthians 11:28 See also Leviticus 16:3-4; 2 Samuel 12:20; 2 Chronicles 7:1; Matthew 2:11

Wholeheartedness

Deuteronomy 6:5 See also Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 10:12; Joshua 22:5; 1 Samuel 12:24; Psalm 27:4; Matthew 22:37 pp Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27

Confidence in approaching God

Hebrews 10:22-23 See also Genesis 4:4; James 4:8; Hebrews 7:19; Hebrews 11:4

See also

7422  ritual
8266  holiness
8333  reverence
8345  servanthood & worship
8453  obedience
8618  prayerfulness
8620  prayer, practicalities
8748  false religion