In trying to think through how to conceive of worship, I've developed a pseudo-definition to jumpstart whatever further reflections I might have. This pseudo-definition comes in two parts: the Everydayness of Worship and the Service of Worship.
The Everydayness of worship, or general worship, is the act of imitating/imaging God with one’s whole person (body, mind, strength, and soul) as one thinks, speaks, acts, and lives one's day-to-day life. This is most effective when done in communion with others seeking to do the same.
The Service of Worship, or special worship, is setting one’s body, mind, strength, and soul to recognizing, appreciating, and glorifying God with confession, praise, thanksgiving, and supplication in the gathering of God’s people in anticipation of the final day when, all together, we will be in perfect worshipful communion with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
These categories are intended to mirror the other ways in which we come to know and love God. For instance, he gives us a general revelation of himself in all of creation (including in ourselves) and a special revelation of himself in his incarnate Son Jesus Christ as well as his written Word, the Holy Scriptures. Also, Scripture makes clear that God is present everywhere, but that he is especially present with his gathered people. It seems consistent with historical theological discussion, then, to view worship in a similar manner. If this dual definition of worship is even approaching accurate, then worshipping God is something each of us is doing right now in some capacity as image-bearers of our Creator. How humbling.
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