Worship.

Two of my favorite things are worship and music. Worship is reverent honor and homage paid to God. To feel deep respect, gratefulness, and adoration in the God of the Universe, the God who chose you to be his son or daughter, this is worship. It is intimate, it is pure, and it is not meant to become a show for others. It is meant to be a sweet time with you and the King of Kings. It is meant to change your soul for the better. Throughout scripture, worship is defined as something joyful and adoring.

Nehemiah 9:5-6

"Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting...Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you."

Daily I am humbled when I reflect on the thought that God has made the heavens and the earth yet still he chooses to be invested in me and all others on this planet, to pursue me, to call me by name, even when I am unfaithful. WHAT?! It doesn't make sense. Yet, this is love. "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

That is why I worship.

"All I Am" by Phil Wickham is a song with beautiful, prayerful lyrics. A song that is worshipful and heartfelt. 

"Take these hands, I know they're empty but with You they can be used for beauty in Your perfect plan, all I am is Yours"

Father, use my hands as You wish. Would you use them for giving rather than receiving, making ashes rise to beauty. Let them be hands of prayer, hugs, and a gentle touch to the poor and powerless. I don't have much to offer but all I am is Yours. Do as You wish, Jesus.

"Take these feet, I know they stumble but You use the weak, You use the humble so please use me, all I am is Yours"

Father, my feet are really good at stumbling. Let them become feet that carry the Gospel wherever I go, whether it's at the grocery store or across the world, let them always carry Your Story. I am incredibly weak, "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2Corinthians12:9

"I give You all my life, I'm letting it go, A living sacrifice no longer my own, all I am is Yours, all I am is Yours"

Father, let my life be a living sacrifice. Let it not be full of selfish desires but let me seek Your Kingdom above all else (Matthew 6:33).

"Take this heart, set it on fire shine it in the dark, I wanna tell the world of who You are, all I am is Yours"

Lord, I do not want Your light to be hidden. Set this heart of mine on fire, blazing through darkness. You know my heart and desire for adventure. Take me wherever You want. Where You lead, I will follow. I ask for more confidence, fearlessness, and trust in You.

"...I give You everything, to You I belong, every beat of my heart the breath in my lungs, all I am is Yours, all I am is Yours...I lift my hands up, God I surrender, all that I am for Your glory, Your honor, Your faith, I lift my hands up, God I surrender to You..."

Father, I surrender to You. I surrender to You in the morning, throughout the day, and when I lay my head down at night. All I am is Yours.

Amen.