ACCESSING GOD'S PRESENCE THROUGH WORSHIP

Title: ACCESSING GOD'S PRESENCE THROUGH WORSHIP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 95:6 - “Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker.”

Supporting Texts: John 4:24, Psalm 100:4, Exodus 33:14-16, James 4:8, Hebrews 4:16

INTRODUCTION:
Worship is more than just singing or attending a service; it is the act of drawing near to God with a heart surrendered to His majesty. In worship, we acknowledge God's greatness and align our hearts with His will, allowing us to access His presence and experience His transforming power. The Psalmist invites us to “come, worship, and bow down,” reminding us that worship is a sacred act of humility and reverence before our Creator. This message focuses on the power of true worship in accessing God’s presence and how it transforms our lives.

1. UNDERSTANDING TRUE WORSHIP

a) Worship in Spirit and Truth
Jesus emphasized worshipping in spirit and truth (John 4:24), meaning worship that is sincere and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

b) Reverence and Humility
Worship requires humility, as we recognise God’s greatness and our dependence on Him.

c) Heartfelt Devotion
True worship flows from a heart devoted to God, not merely outward actions or rituals.

d) Surrender and Obedience
Worship is a response of obedience, giving all we are to God and allowing His will to lead us.

Biblical Example: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac in obedience showed his deep worship and trust in God (Genesis 22:5).

2. THE POSTURE OF WORSHIP

a) Bowing and Kneeling
Physical postures like bowing and kneeling express our submission and reverence before God (Psalm 95:6).

b) Lifting Hands and Hearts
Lifting hands symbolizes surrender, while lifting our hearts signifies our openness to God’s work.

c) Seeking God's Face
True worship seeks God’s face, not just His hand for blessings, desiring His presence above all else.

d) Singing with Understanding
Worship through songs should engage both heart and mind, understanding the words and their meaning.

Biblical Example: King David danced before the Lord with all his might, disregarding his royal status (2 Samuel 6:14).

3. THE PRESENCE OF GOD IN WORSHIP

a) God Dwells in Worship
God’s presence is often felt deeply in moments of true worship, as He “inhabits the praises of His people” (Psalm 22:3).

b) Renewal and Refreshing
In His presence, we experience peace, strength, and renewal for our souls (Psalm 16:11).

c) Revelation and Instruction
Worship brings revelation as we align our hearts with God’s will, often receiving direction.

d) Empowerment and Strength
Worship strengthens us spiritually, helping us face challenges with God’s power and courage.

Biblical Example: Isaiah experienced God’s presence and was transformed in worship, receiving a prophetic call (Isaiah 6:1-8).

4. BENEFITS OF ACCESSING GOD'S PRESENCE

a) Joy and Fulfillment
God’s presence fills us with joy, which is often lacking when we’re disconnected from Him (Psalm 16:11).

b) Peace and Comfort
In God’s presence, we find peace that surpasses all understanding, calming our fears.

c) Victory and Deliverance
Worship ushers in God’s power, leading to breakthroughs, healing, and deliverance.

d) Renewed Perspective
Worship refocuses our minds on God’s promises and enables us to see life from His perspective.

Biblical Example: Paul and Silas worshipped in prison, which led to their miraculous deliverance (Acts 16:25-26).

5. DRAWING NEAR TO GOD IN DAILY WORSHIP

a) Consistent Worship Life
Worship should be a daily discipline, not confined to services or events.

b) Quiet Time with God
Setting aside personal time in His presence builds intimacy with God.

c) Praise in All Circumstances
Worship goes beyond good times; it is an expression of trust even in trials.

d) Corporate Worship
Gathering with others in worship brings a greater manifestation of God’s presence and power.

Biblical Example: Daniel worshipped God daily, even in the face of persecution, maintaining his connection to God (Daniel 6:10).

CONCLUSION:
True worship opens the door to God’s presence and brings us into a deep relationship with Him. When we worship God sincerely, we experience His peace, strength, and guidance in our lives. Worship is both a privilege and a pathway that invites us to encounter God’s glory, making His presence real and transformative. Let us, therefore, embrace worship as a way of life, drawing near to our Maker in reverence and awe.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, draw me deeper into Your presence through true worship.

2. Father, help me to worship You in spirit and in truth.

3. Lord, let my worship be a pleasing offering before You.

4. Father, empower me to maintain a consistent worship life.

5. Lord, let Your presence transform and renew me in every moment of worship.

6. I declare that every barrier to accessing Your presence is removed in Jesus' name.

7. Lord, reveal Your glory to me as I draw near in worship.

8. Father, let my worship bring joy and peace into my life.

9. Lord, fill me with strength and courage as I worship You.

10. Father, establish my heart in worship as a daily discipline.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that I will live a life of true worship, pleasing to God.

2. My heart will be constantly drawn into God’s presence.

3. I declare that my worship life will be a gateway to experiencing God’s power.

4. Every obstacle to my worship is broken in Jesus' name.

5. I receive the joy and peace that comes from worshipping God daily.

6. My worship will lead to divine encounters and breakthroughs.

7. I will walk in the light of God’s presence, strengthened in spirit.

8. God’s glory will fill my life as I bow before Him in worship.

9. I am empowered to overcome challenges through my worship.

10. I will seek God’s face continually and live in His presence forever.