The study of the Bible develops within us a desire to worship our God. The more we know about our heavenly Father the more we want to offer up praise to Him. Knowing who He is and what He has done for us generates appreciation and reverence. 
 
God is deserving of worship, and we want our worship to be pleasing and acceptable to Him. Since God is the one being worshipped it is He, not us, who decides how He is to be worshipped. We must offer up true worship to our Creator (John 4:21-24), not uninformed (Acts 17:23-31) or vain worship (Matthew 15:9; 2 John 1:9-11). This can only be done when we fully follow His instructions concerning how He wants to be worshipped. There is a right way to worship God! In the New Testament we are given five (5) acts of worship: 
 
The Lord's Supper - Christians are to observe the Lord's Supper on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7; Acts 2:42). The elements of this memorial to the Lord's sacrifice consists of unleavened bread, which represents His body, and the fruit of the vine (grape juice) which represents His blood. It was Jesus who instituted this remembrance of His death on the cross (Matthew 26:26-28; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20). 
 
Giving - Also, on the first day of the week disciples are commanded to give back to God as He has blessed us (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). The money is to be used for the work of the church (evangelism, edification, and benevolence to the saints). Christians are commanded to give willingly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:1-7). 
 
Preaching - We also know the Lord's church had preaching during their worship services (Acts 20:7). God's word was proclaimed. Christians are commanded to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:1-2). 
 
Praying - The first disciples prayed when they met together (Acts 2:42) as God's word commanded (1 Timothy 2:1-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). We can actually speak to the Creator of our universe by praying to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20; Colossians 3:17). 
 
Singing - The Christians in the first century sang praises to God when they met together for worship on the first day of every week (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). In the New Testament singing (without mechanical instruments) was done as an act of worship (Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Hebrews 2:12; 13:15; James 5:13). 
 
What we do in worship must be authorized by the Lord as His word directs (Colossians 3:17; John 4:24). There is a right way to worship God. Please use this information to make sure you are worshiping according to the Scriptures. As you continue in your study of the Scriptures it is vital that you find a faithful church which is following the pattern set forth in the New Testament concerning how to worship God. 

​

Samuel Matthews