“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.” – John 4:23

When I first began attending church, I would walk into a sanctuary with stained-glass windows, sit down in a pew in the back of the room, and listen to the music and singing.  It was something I looked forward to every week, because the music was pretty and made me feel peaceful.  It didn’t matter to me that I did not know the words to any of the songs.  I couldn’t really sing along, but I did stand when everyone else stood.  I bowed my head when everyone else bowed. And I shook hands when everyone else hugged.  This is how I learned “to worship.”  And I really enjoyed it.  For even an outsider like me can be touched by the Spirit of God in such a place.

However, as time went by, God in His infinite grace gave me a much greater gift:  He taught me to live a worshipful life.  I have learned there is a difference.  Don’t get me wrong, I love corporate worship.  Being with other believers and lifting my praises up to God as part of a huge choir of faithfuls is moving and powerful for me.  However, when God taught me to connect with Him in a more personal way each day, our relationship transformed.  

Over the years our interactions have evolved from Almighty Creator of the Universe/little insignificant me to Loving Father/Treasured Child.  When God taught me to worship Him throughout my day, I began to see Him throughout my day.  I saw His grace when I made mistakes.  I experienced His providence when I had decisions to make.  I felt His joy in the everyday pleasures of life.  It is a profound wonder to experience the presence of God while pumping gas, doing laundry, grocery shopping, or having lunch with friends.  This is the stuff of the abundant life.

If this kind of connection has not been your experience, it can easily become so.  It takes some intentionality at first, but as any habit, at some point it will become as breathing and happen naturally.  The rhythm of everyone’s daily life is different, but these are some practices you might try:

1.  Get up 15 minutes earlier and spend that time (preferably in the quiet) reading the psalms.  It is a great way to start the day.

2.  Practice a daily 5:  Set the alarm on your phone for 5 times each day.  Every time the alarm sounds: stop, look around, thank God for whatever situation you are in and ask Him to reveal Himself to you in that moment.

3.  Practice the Daily Examen:  Spend a few minutes at the end of the day reflecting on your day.  Where did you experience the presence or blessings of God?  Where did His providence provide for you?  Where were you loved?  After reviewing your day, remember to thank Him for His faithfulness to you in that day.

Whatever way you choose to connect with God in your daily life is the right way.  Don’t allow your relationship with Him to be confined to one day each week.  By embracing a daily interaction with our Lord and Savior, we can truly experience the path of blessedness.