Recently I’ve come to realize that I haven’t worshiped in a long time. And by a long time, I mean a month, which might not seem long, but to be without it is long, at least for me personally.

I hadn’t worshiped since summer camp in WA, but that was one of those worship nights with a hundred people, fog machines, dim lights, and songs that played for an hour. Obviously I don’t have that here. But that’s not what makes worship, right? That’s what just sets the scene, what creates the ambiance. It’s something we choose to add to make it more emotional.

But we don’t need that.

Instead I tried something very similar but also the opposite.

It was late—I had gotten home from work a few minutes ago—and the rest of my family was asleep. So I grabbed my phone and earbuds, put on my comfy clothes (because milk-shake splattered pants are not comfy), turned off the lights in my room, and flicked on the small lamp in the far corner of my bedroom so that I could still see, but not very much.

I opened my music app and clicked on the song that has been my anthem lately: No One Like The Lord by Bethel Music. (My favorite version is by Legacy Nashville and Gracie Binion.) As I played this song, I sat on the floor and put my phone somewhere I couldn’t see it with my ringer off. (In all honesty, it’s always off but I double-checked it was off—I needed zero distractions.)

Like I said, my family was asleep, so as I listened to the music, I didn’t sing but I did worship. (Yes, that is a thing.) Mouthing the words does just as well as actually singing.

And as I found myself worshiping with my hands in the air, I realized: I’ve never worshiped God by myself.

You see, it’s always been with other people in some form. At church, at youth group, on a mission trip, at camp or a retreat, at a Bible study, with some friends randomly. I’ve prayed, thanked, praised, and talked to God by myself, sure, but never truly worshiped.

And it was so simple. Dim lights, just me, in my pjs and smelling like Chick-fil-A, and a couple songs.

But it didn’t stop after a couple songs y’all—it kept going for an hour. About five songs later (they were those seven minute long songs) I was still going, not wanting to stop.

It was a cool feeling, let me tell you that.

So. What is this post for? Well I wanted to share this: you don’t need to be at church, with fancy lights or lyrics, surrounded by everyone you love to worship God. You can do it in your room at 10:45 at night. You can take three hours or three minutes. But I really encourage you to take the time to do something like this and spend time with God, just praising him! You’ll find that it’s just an amazing experience.

And another fun thought: I’ve been doing it in my car too. Don’t worry—I’m driving safely. (But at least if I die while doing this, I die worshiping God. I’m kidding, for those of you who don’t understand my strange idea of humor.)

But playing a worship song and singing along? It’s such a fun, easy thing! I love driving by myself. And the only thing I don’t like about our town is how small it is—everything is about two songs away. So my worship sessions are pretty short and sweet. But it still changes my day and makes me feel better, so I’ll take it!

Anyways. Take some time today and spend a few minutes worshiping God!

Thanks for taking the time to read my random thoughts! Have a great day.
~Willow