“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you”. - 1 Peter 5:7

If we come to a worship time and we are not feeling like joining in, rather than ignoring the feelings, why not ask God what is going on in your heart. He will help you see whether the source is tiredness or boredom, or something much deeper. Tell God exactly how you feel and trust him to comfort and heal you.

“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.” - Psalm 106:1

Thanksgiving for the cross opens us to the presence of God in worship. Thanksgiving for God’s past guidance and provision encourages us to trust and proclaim God’s faithfulness to ourselves and others. And it leads to a awareness of his character that gets expressed in praise.

“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD!” - Psalm 150:6

As our minds ponder God’s character and our mouths speak it out, our hearts are drawn to experience his presence. As the truth of God’s love fills us, we are encouraged and strengthened. It is uplifting to speak out how God loves us, cares for us, provides, protects and defends us.

“Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker! “- Psa 95:6

Thanksgiving expresses our appreciation for what God has done, and praise says what God is like. Worship takes us further than both thanks and praise. As a revelation of his greatness begins to shatter our limited perspective on God, we commune with him face to face.