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What is Worship?

Sometimes when I hear the word “worship,” I picture a Sunday morning service—the praise team on stage, hands lifted, lights dimmed, and everyone in their best “I-got-it-all-together” outfits.

Can I get an amen?

Despite what I may think, the Bible gives us a clear understanding of what worship truly is by emphasizing that worship goes beyond just singing songs or participating in church routines. It’s a lifestyle of surrender with deep respect for Jesus, offering ourselves to God.

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Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

When I read that, it reminds me that worship is not just about what we do in a church service, but how we live every moment of our lives, offering ourselves fully to God in every situation. I’d like to think I’m a practical guy, and if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what in the world worship would be like within family life.

Let me be honest, there are tons of areas in my life to use as a stage of worship. But as a spouse and parent, I had to sit and reflect on how to be more intentional using those avenues as opportunities to worship God.

It’s in those everyday interactions—how we handle disagreements, how we support one another, how we show patience and grace—that we’re truly offering ourselves as living sacrifices.

What is worship in marriage?

In marriage, it means loving my spouse when it’s not easy because marriage isn’t always a Hallmark movie. It’s in those tough moments I have to surrender and say, “Lord, help me understand what I’m supposed to do here. Here I am, I’m yours.” In the beautiful moments, it’s saying, “Thank you, Lord, for this joy and for bringing us together. I cherish these times as a gift from You.” Recently, I’ve been more intentional with:

1. Prayerful communication.

We’ve worked to make a habit to pray together, not just when things are tough but as a regular part of our relationship. When we bring our concerns, joys, and decisions to God as a couple, we invite His guidance into our marriage. This practice helps keep our hearts aligned with His will and fosters a deeper connection. It’s a way of saying, “We’re in this together with God, seeking His wisdom and blessing in everything we do.” Check out this devotional to help get you started. It’s called, 5 Ways to Pray as a Couple.

2. Expressing gratitude.

Regularly acknowledge and thank God and your spouse for the little things they do. A simple “I appreciate you” or “thank you for that” is a good move.

3. Serving one another.

Look for opportunities to serve your spouse, whether it’s taking over a chore they dislike or stepping in to help with their responsibilities. Acts of serving helps me worship God by putting my spouse’s needs above my own.

What is worship as a parent?

Ever tried to explain the importance of patience to a child who’s convinced that waiting for five minutes is equivalent to an eternity? In those moments, worshiping God through your parenting could mean showing them what patience looks like in action, even when it tests your own limits. It’s about modeling grace and understanding, and using those everyday challenges as teachable moments that reflect God’s love and character.

Here are some ways I’m working on this today:

1. Bedtime battles.

When our two-year-old twins resist going to bed, I’ve tried to worship God by practicing patience and creating a calming routine. I use this time for us to pray together, showing them that even bedtime is an opportunity to seek peace and express gratitude.

2. Tantrums in public.

Now this is a hard one. Honestly, they all are, but during a public meltdown, I aim to worship God by staying calm and composed. Our ability to manage the situation with grace can teach your child about resilience and self-control, reflecting God’s love and patience.

3. Sibling fights.

In moments of fighting between siblings, worship God by fostering reconciliation and teaching conflict resolution. Show them how to love and forgive one another, reflecting God’s unity and compassion in their relationships.

It’s about our heart of worship

Have you heard the song verse by Matt Redman, “I’m coming back to the heart of worship?” It beautifully captures the essence of what true worship is all about—Jesus. When we bring our everyday struggles and victories to God with a heart of gratitude and humility, we’re engaging in a form of worship that’s just as powerful as any Sunday morning service.

It’s a reminder that worship isn’t confined to rituals or routines; it’s about the relationship we cultivate with God through our daily lives. True worship is less about the ritual and more about the relationship—living out our faith in every role we play, day in and day out.

Ashford Sonii is the next-generation pastor for Cape Carteret Baptist Church and a contributing writer for FamilyLife. He enjoys ministry, learning, and communicating practical life applications of God’s Word within marriage, family, and how to walk with Jesus. Ashford and his wife, Olivia, currently live in North Carolina with their twin girls, Ivey and Oakley.