Author: Greg Tharpe
It was
Sunday morning and the church was filled to capacity. Everyone was dressed and ready to praise
and worship God. The band was jamming and the choir was rocking as they sang high energy songs
that brought the people out of their seats and moving to the music. The preacher was very
charismatic and entertaining as he kept the congregation exhilarated and feeling good throughout
his sermon.
"But
the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and in
truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him, God is a spirit: and they that worship him
must worship him in spirit and in truth." [
John 4:23-24]
There
are two types of praise and worship: There is religious (literal) praise and worship and there
is spiritual praise and worship. Religious praise and worship is an outward act of showing
reverence to God. It is the most popular and what each religion regards as the correct way to
worship God, which is mostly done in churches through some type of religious service on
Sunday.
Although the different religions and
denominations oftentimes praise and worship differently, some cultures and religions do it in
a more festive, exuberant and entertaining way than others, using music, song, dance, rituals,
dress, costumes, verbal shouting or chants. While others are more subdued and humble, some
even use reptiles and animals such as snakes and chickens, in their praise and worship
services.
Many
religious followers believe that unless one proclaims to be a member of a church and attend
religious services, they are not doing what is required for praising and worshipping God.
However, just because a person does not attend a church, does not necessarily mean that person
does not have a close relationship with God; that person may be closer to God than the person
who claims to be a follower of a religion. He or she may choose to worship spiritually and not
by way of organized religion.
When
we view praise and worship solely from a religious or literal perspective, it is a choice that
we made based on the ego or fear. Little do we know it separates us from God and the intimate
relationship necessary to experience the unrestricted love, joy, peace and happiness that we
truly desire.
Spiritual
praise and worship is not an outward act to be seen by man, nor does it require spoken words. It
is an act that occurs in one’s heart where one quietly communes with God telepathically via a
meditative state. It is a personal relationship and does not require the approval of a religion.
It can quietly be done at any time without anyone knowing except you and God.
The
spiritual church or temple is within you; therefore, it is not made of wood and nails or brick
and mortar. It never closes and is always open, twenty-four hours a day seven days a week for
praise and worship. The spiritually awake souls attend it consciously throughout the day each
and every day, not just on Sunday for worship service.
When
you accept this spiritual perspective as truth, it raises your vibrations or consciousness,
gives you clarity and brings you closer to God or joy.
It
is a blessing for me to share this article with you and my hope is that it blesses
you. Please take 10 seconds to opt-in to my Newsletter so
we can form a spiritual friendship and I can provide you more inspirational
messages as they flow through me. Spiritual Truth is
here now...thank
you! Greg Tharpe
-
|
Author Greg Tharpe offers multiple avenues to achieve Spiritual
Enlightenment and Life Wisdom including Online Seminars, Personalized Coaching, Live Events and
Keynote Speaking.
|