ACCESSING HIS PRESENCE THROUGH WORSHIP (Part 2)

Title: ACCESSING HIS PRESENCE THROUGH WORSHIP (Part 2)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 100:4
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."

Supporting Texts:
Psalm 22:3
John 4:23-24
Hebrews 10:19-22
2 Chronicles 5:13-14
Psalm 95:6-7

INTRODUCTION:
Worship is more than singing songs; it’s an act of reverence and submission, inviting us into God’s presence. True worship transforms us and draws us closer to Him. It aligns our hearts with His, giving us access to His presence and transforming our spiritual life. Through worship, we can experience His peace, power, and guidance in a profound way. This study explores the ways we can access God’s presence through worship and how worship prepares our hearts for intimacy with Him.

1. WORSHIP AS A PATHWAY TO GOD’S PRESENCE

Worship is a spiritual gateway that brings us into closer communion with God. It shifts our focus from earthly concerns to His majesty, bringing us into a deeper awareness of His presence.

a) Entering Through Praise and Thanksgiving
Praise opens the door to God’s presence as we celebrate His goodness and acknowledge His works (Psalm 100:4).

b) Preparing Our Hearts
Worship removes distractions and prepares our hearts to encounter God intimately (Psalm 24:3-4).

c) Establishing Our Focus on God Alone
Worship helps us centre our thoughts and affections on God, removing self-centeredness (Psalm 16:11).

d) Creating a Sacred Space
Worship creates an atmosphere where God’s Spirit is welcome to move and speak (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

Biblical Example:
When the Israelites praised God with unified voices, His presence filled the temple as a cloud (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

2. TRUE WORSHIP IS SPIRITUAL AND SINCERE

God desires worship that is genuine, flowing from a sincere heart, and led by the Spirit. True worship is not limited to rituals or forms but comes from our inner being and love for Him.

a) Worshiping in Spirit and Truth
True worship engages both the Spirit and truth, connecting deeply with God’s heart (John 4:23-24).

b) Authentic Heart Connection
God sees the intentions behind our worship, desiring sincerity over performance (Isaiah 29:13).

c) Yielding to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to worship in alignment with God’s will (Romans 8:26-27).

d) Reflecting God’s Holiness
Worship brings us into contact with God’s holiness, making us more aware of His character (Isaiah 6:1-3).

Biblical Example:
Jesus corrected the Pharisees for their outward worship, teaching that true worship is heartfelt (Matthew 15:8-9).

3. WORSHIP BUILDS OUR INTIMACY WITH GOD

Worship is an expression of love and surrender, drawing us closer to God and helping us experience His love and character in a personal way.

a) Entering a Covenant Relationship
Worship is a response to the covenant relationship we have with God, fostering closeness (Psalm 95:6-7).

b) Encountering God’s Presence
Worship brings us face-to-face with God, where He reveals Himself to us (Psalm 42:1-2).

c) Experiencing God’s Love and Comfort
In His presence, we find comfort, strength, and renewal (Psalm 16:11).

d) Growing in Knowledge of God
Worship reveals more of God’s nature and character, transforming us (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Biblical Example:
Mary chose to worship at Jesus’ feet, prioritising intimacy with Him over busyness (Luke 10:38-42).

4. WORSHIP RELEASES GOD’S POWER AND PEACE

Through worship, we open our lives to God’s power, allowing Him to work in our situations. Worship can bring deliverance, peace, and breakthrough.

a) Breaking Chains and Strongholds
Worship has the power to release God’s deliverance in our lives (Acts 16:25-26).

b) Bringing Supernatural Peace
Worship shifts our perspective, filling us with God’s peace amid challenges (Isaiah 26:3).

c) Renewing Our Strength
In worship, God renews and strengthens us for life’s battles (Isaiah 40:31).

d) Establishing God’s Reign in Our Lives
As we worship, we declare God’s authority over every situation (Psalm 22:3).

Biblical Example:
When Paul and Silas worshiped in prison, God’s power manifested, resulting in an earthquake and their release (Acts 16:25-26).

5. LIVING A LIFE OF WORSHIP

Worship is not limited to a moment or a place but is a lifestyle of honouring and glorifying God in everything we do.

a) Offering Our Bodies as Living Sacrifices
Worship includes how we live, not just what we sing or say (Romans 12:1).

b) Constantly Acknowledging God’s Presence
Worship means being aware of God’s presence in our daily lives (Psalm 34:1).

c) Living in Obedience
Worship is reflected in our choices and obedience to God’s commands (John 14:15).

d) Expressing Love for God and Others
Our worship is authentic when it leads us to love others (Matthew 22:37-39).

Biblical Example:
Daniel worshiped God through his lifestyle, even under pressure in Babylon, setting a consistent example (Daniel 6:10).

CONCLUSION:
Accessing God’s presence through worship is a journey of drawing near to Him with sincere hearts. Worship aligns our hearts with God’s, transforming us, empowering us, and bringing us peace. As we enter into true worship, let us focus on His greatness, yield to the Holy Spirit, and remember that worship is a lifestyle that honours Him in all we do.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, teach me to worship You in Spirit and in truth.

2. Help me to always enter Your presence with gratitude and reverence.

3. Holy Spirit, fill my heart with genuine love and passion for worship.

4. Lord, draw me closer to You in intimacy through my worship.

5. Father, let my worship release Your peace and power in my life.

6. Help me live a life of worship, honouring You in all I do.

7. Lord, let Your presence transform me as I worship You.

8. Strengthen me to worship even in difficult times.

9. May my life be a living testimony of true worship to others.

10. Lord, let Your glory fill my life as I seek You in worship.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. I declare that you will enter God’s presence through worship and encounter His glory.

2. May your worship be sincere and filled with the Spirit, drawing you closer to God.

3. I decree that you will experience supernatural peace as you worship God.

4. May your heart be transformed in His presence, becoming a reflection of His love.

5. I declare breakthroughs in your life as you worship and honour God.

6. May God’s power manifest as you praise and lift His name.

7. I declare that your worship will be a source of strength and renewal in your life.

8. May your worship inspire others to seek and honour God.

9. I declare that your life will be a living example of worship and devotion to God.

10. As you worship, may God’s favour and blessings rest upon you and all that you do.