I have been a worship leader for Christ Uncensored for 10 years now. This past summer, I took some time off to receive and rest. During this time of enjoying the worship from the perspective of the congregation, I most enjoyed worshipping alongside our CUHOW Kids. Seeing their hearts so open for the Lord and enjoying the presence of God reminded me of my why. I wanted so desperately for them to understand the why as well.
'Do they know why they raise their hands?'
'Do they know the power that is in the name that they are declaring as they sing so loudly and boldly the name of Jesus?'
These were the thoughts that went through my brain as I would stand with them in worship. I hope this helps parents who are trying to help their children understand and experience God in worship the same way they have.
In Psalms 100 we have an example in David of what it means to have a heart of worship. Share this with your children as a guiding verse.
Psalms 100
A Psalm of thanksgiving.
1 Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
What Is Worship?
Worship is an expression of reverence and adoration for God. What does that mean for our little ones? This can mean turning off the TV and taking some time to pray to God, or listen to worship songs while sitting in God's presence. Worship is when we acknowledge God for who He is in our life. When we put God as first place in our hearts, we are honoring God in worship.
Questions to ask your children: "Who has God been for you? A friend? A father?"
This will give your child a chance to reflect on their own experiences with God, and how they see God.
Why Do We Worship?
John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
God sent Jesus to die on a cross for our sins, so we can remain in relationship with Him forever. We worship God because He saved us from the penalty of sin, and we get to live forever with Him! We respond to His goodness and love for us in worship. It is our way of showing love and gratitude to Him.
Another reason why we worship is to show surrender to God. We exchange our ways, thoughts, and desires with God's will for our lives. We are constantly being transformed in worship by the power of the Holy Spirit, who lives in all of our hearts; speaking to us and working through us.
Questions to ask your children: What has Jesus done in your life, or your family's life that you are grateful for?
How Do We Worship?
We are called to worship both privately, and together as a church family. This can be in song, in dance, in our giving, and in how we love each other. When the worship team is leading us in a time of worship, it is a time for us all to focus and acknowledge that God is in the room.
You may see people raise their hands, or fall to their knees. This is showing surrender to God. Declaring His goodness and that His ways are higher than ours. This can also represent peace. This is a fruit of the Holy Spirit.
You may see people dance. This is showing joy! (Fruits of the Holy Spirit)
You may see people cry. This is showing that God is touching hearts. It doesn't always mean sadness. It can be an overwhelming sense of God's presence in the room.
When we worship together as a community, we are promoting unity; declaring we are all one heart, one spirit.
When we worship in private, we are cultivating our own relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Questions to ask your children: What are ways that you have worshipped, or responded to God's presence during our time of worship?
I hope this leads you into a beautiful conversation with your children and heartfelt moments of worship together.
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