WORTHY OF IT ALL
Devotional and Retreat Guide on the Heart of Worship
Written by Gab Paragas for UST InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Read Psalm 34:1-3 together. Perhaps observing the life of King David may drive these
points further and deeper. A renowned Psalmist (worship
Hello, GTCF and EEF! Welcome to our second sem starter for song composer/ musician), he poured out his heart’s praise
the academic year. It’s poetic that we began our first through his words, worshipping even in the seasons of
semester last year with a prayer walk - interceding for God to winning and losing. In the face of Goliath, his first response
be magnified and worshipped in our campus; and now we was to worship God instead of cowering in fear. When the
begin the second semester with an equally important matter Ark of God was finally in Jerusalem, he without shame
worthy of emphasis: the worship of God. Praise God! “danced with all his might”, expressing worship that does
not care what others think (2 Samuel 6). In imperfection, he
To many (Christians and seekers), “Worship” is often sinned against God by relying on his army instead of trusting
equated to music. While music is definitely a common in God; hence, he was told to build an altar to offer burnt
medium by which we express worship, it is unfair to offerings. While buying a piece of land, he was offered to
decimate worship to art forms. avail free oxen, firewood, and wheat for offering. But in
integrity of worship, David declined and said “No, I insist on
When I was a child starting out at Sunday school, I always buying it for the full price. I will not take what is yours and
grew admiration of the cool musicians and singers of our give it to the Lord. I will not present burnt offerings that
congregation; seeing worship as an art form rather than a have cost me nothing!” (1 Chronicles 21:24)
lifestyle that pleases God. In the book “The Purpose Driven
Life”, the author mentions that one of the common mistakes Perhaps he understood that worship is best seen in a life
of Christians about worship is to seek “experiences” rather surrendered to God; one that has seen God’s wonderful
than an encounter with God. Encounters with God transform presence, experienced grace and mercy: responding with
lives; in contrast to experiences that may be hollow. surrender of everything with obedience, reverence.
Beyond the music and the noise, God demands a devoted Whatever state you are in now; WORSHIP. He deserves
heart and mind; a life that honors Him. In Amos 5:21-24, God nothing less. Surrender it all. God is Worthy of it all.
describes the people’s religious festivals and assemblies as
a “stench” which He despises. At the time, Israel brought [SPIRITUAL RETREAT AND REFLECTION]
burnt and grain offerings but neglected social justice and Find a quiet place around the campus. Let nothing distract
living of righteous lives pleasing to Him. He strongly you. Recognize that you are in the presence of God; and His
exclaims: “Away with the noise of your songs! Let justice roll presence inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).
on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”
As you find a spot, you may notice trees, birds - all creation
Darlene Zschech described “worship” as giving “due worth” with you - worshipping God. “God, you are here with me.
or “worth-ship” to God, reflecting on the “worthiness” and Speak, Oh LORD”, you may utter these and settle in.
magnitude of God’s worth. She further describes it as “this
inevitable result of the created catching a glimpse of the As you pause in silence; let the LORD speak to you as you
reality of the Creator - and then responding to it.” reflect on these points:
John Piper seems to agree when he said “The inner essence 1. Matthew 15:8-9 says “‘These people honor me with
of worship is to know God truly and then respond from the their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They
heart to that knowledge by valuing God, treasuring God, worship me in vain; their teachings are merely
prizing God, enjoying God, being satisfied with God above all human rules.” Is there a point in your life where you
earthly things. And then that deep, restful, joyful satisfaction in go to church, sing songs of praise, or minister to
God overflows in demonstrable acts of praise from the lips others; but your heart is far from God?
and demonstrable acts of love in serving others for the sake of
Christ.” 2. Last semester, we mentioned that there is no
separation between the spiritual and the secular;
The Hebrew words used for Worship may help us understand all aspects of our lives must “bow” and surrender
the context of how we ought to worship the LORD. The word to the LORDship of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says
“shachah” translated as “worship” is also translated as “to “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do
bow down”; like the word “barak” also was used to bow to it all for the glory of God.”. Reflect on that passage
waist level as a sign of submitting and “blessing the LORD in and ask yourself: is there an aspect of your life that
adoration”. While people in the Bible worshipped using needs to bow down before the LORD? As you start
music, dance and other means; the scripture invites us to the new semester, in what ways (whether in your
worship in “Spirit and in Truth” (John 4:24) studies, family life, community involvement) can
you glorify God and worship Him truthfully?
SONGS FOR COMMUNITY WORSHIP
PRAISE Repeat [Chorus 2] 2x HEART OF WORSHIP
Repeat Intro
[Intro] [Verse 1]
Let everything that has breath _____________________________________ When the music fades
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord All is stripped away
Let everything, let everything that has breath HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD And I simply come
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord Longing' just to bring
[Verse 1] Something that's of worth
[Verse 1] The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty That will bless Your heart
I'll praise inthe valley, praise on the mountain Let all the Earth rejoice
I'll praise when I'm sure, praise when I'm doubting All the Earth rejoice [Pre-Chorus]
I'll praise when outnumbered, praise when surrounded He wraps himself in light I'll bring You more than a song
'Cause praise is the waters my enemies drown in And darkness tries to hide For a song in itself
And trembles at His voice Is not what You have required
[Pre-Chorus] Trembles at His voice You search much deeper within
As long as I'm breathing Through the ways things appear
I've got a reason to [Chorus] You're looking into my heart
[Chorus 1] How great is our God, sing with me
Praise the Lord, oh my soul How great is our God, and all will see [Chorus]
Praise the Lord, oh my soul How great, how great is our God I'm comin' back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
[Verse 2] [Verse 2] It's all about You, Jesus
I'll praise when I feel it, and I'll praise when I don’t Age to age He stands I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
I'll praise 'cause I know You’re still in control And time is in His hands When it's all about You
'Cause my praise is a weapon, it's more than a sound Beginning and the end It's all about You, Jesus
Oh, my praise is the shout that brings Jericho down Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One [Verse 1]
[Pre-Chorus] Father Spirit Son King of endless worth
As long as I'm breathing The Lion and the Lamb No one could express
I've got a reason to The Lion and the Lamb How much You deserve?
[Chorus 2] Though I'm weak and poor
Praise the Lord, oh my soul Repeat Chorus All I have is Yours
Praise the Lord, oh my soul Every single breath
I won’t be quiet, my God is alive [Bridge]
How can I keep it inside? Name above all names Repeat Pre-Chorus and Chorus
Praise the Lord, oh my soul Worthy of our praise
Praise the Lord, oh my soul My heart will sing I'll bring You more than a song
How great is our God I'll bring You more than a song, more than a song
You're the name above all names
[Bridge] You are worthy of our praise I'll bring You more than a song
I'll praise 'cause You're sovereign, praise 'cause You reign And my heart will sing I'll bring You more than a song (than a song)
Praise 'cause You rose and defeated the grave How great is our God
I'll praise 'cause You're faithful, praise 'cause You’re true
You're looking into my heart
Praise 'cause there's nobody greater than You _____________________________________ You're looking into my heart
