How should I worship God?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament reveals that worship of God is exclusive. Exodus 20:3 commands: "You shall have no other gods before me."
• The Old Testament also reveals that the attitude and manner in which we worship the Lord matter. For example, Leviticus 1:1–17 describes the procedures the Israelites were to follow in presenting burnt offerings to the Lord. Deuteronomy 12:5–7 instructs the Israelites to bring their sacrifices and offerings to the place God chooses. The tabernacle was constructed to be a transportable sanctuary for God’s presence among the Israelites (Exodus 25:8–9) until a permanent temple was constructed in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:10–11).
• The prophets like Isaiah warned the Israelites about empty rituals and called for them to live justly and righteously (Isaiah 1:11–17). Amos also told the people that God rejects superficial worship and instead demands justice and righteousness (Amos 5:21–24).
• Micah 6:6–8 reveals that our hearts are what God desires, not extravagant sacrifices without obedience or love for God. The verses read: “‘With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?’ He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

from the new testament

• In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus teaches that true worship includes acts of mercy and justice towards others, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned.
• In John 4:23–24 Jesus told the woman at the well that true worshipers worship God in spirit and in truth rather than at specific locations or through rituals.
• The early church devoted themselves to worshiping God through teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread (Communion), and prayer (Acts 2:42–47).
• Romans 12:1–2 tells us how to worship. It says, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
• First Corinthians 6:19 describes believers' bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, calling us to present ourselves to God as an act of worship.
• James 1:27 describes pure religion as caring for orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world. By living this way, we worship God.

implications for today

Reflecting on true worship can transform one's approach to daily life and their response to God—who He is, what He has done, and how we are called to respond as a result. Each day offers opportunities to connect with God through quiet moments of prayer and Scripture reading, allowing His truth to shape our thoughts and actions. Throughout the day, we also have opportunities to serve others as expressions of love for God—from helping a colleague with a task to volunteering at a local charity. Regular gatherings with fellow believers can provide accountability and encouragement in faith, reminding us who God is and why we worship Him (Hebrews 10:19–25). Being driven by God’s love and truth, showing compassion, expressing who He is to others, and giving Him praise are all acts of worship. Worship is a continuous process of aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with God's will. This perspective turns everyday life into an offering of praise, making each moment an opportunity to honor God through our choices, attitudes, and treatment of others.