I praise You, O Father

"An Invitation to Worship"
* Intro
- We have open invitation from Lord to worship; He seeks it
- Worship is giving Lord the attention, affection, & adoration due Him (Stan Sinclair)
- Lord displeased w/ half-hearted worship {Isa29:13}
- Worship not part of life -- it is your life
- Worship has nothing to do w/ volume, speed, or style -- all manner pleasing to Him if offered from right heart
* Hebrew words of worship
- Yadah: Praise, often w/ raised hands; surrender {Ps28:7}
- Barak: Bless {Ps34:1}
- Towdah: Give thanks, often as a response {Ps100:4}
- Zamar: Sing praise, often w/ instrument {Ps71:22}
- Shakah: Bow down in worship {Ps95:6}
* There is spiritual power in worship {2Chron20:21-22, Acts16:25}
* Five ways to praise the Lord
- Sing {Ps147:1, Ps100:2}
- Lift up hands {Ps134:2}
- Speak praise, especially amidst trial {Heb13:15}
- Dancing & various instruments {Ps149:3, Ps150:3-5, 2Sam6:14}
- Praise in congregation {Heb2:12}
* How to become a worshipper
- Start by offering thanks {Ps95:2}
- Sing w/ all heart {Matt22:37, Ps138:1}
- Read examples of true worship (i.e. psalms)
- Personalize words when singing {Ps103}
- Enjoy quiet reverence {Ps95:6-7}
- Sing loudly w/ joy {Ps95:1, Ps98:1-6}
- Prepare before entering sanctuary: listen to Christian music, pray, arrive early, confess sins
- "Running late is the enemy of worship"