1. coming back to the heart of worship Kevin Bowman: kevinb@cordovachurch.com Dave Davis: daved@cordovachurch.com www.cordovachurch.com/renew

2. Last week we introduced ourselves, our class, and our goals We want to become more intentional & inspirational in our worship We’re going to focus on four types of worship: personal, family, everyday, and corporate Today we’re going to continue our discussion on personal worship, with a focus on five examples from the Bible Through prayer, praise, studying God’s word, sacrifice, and reflecting

3. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:6

4. Prayer is connection to God Remember, worship that is God-connected will, by default, be inspiring Motivating ourselves to pray more Prayer is a privilege: We are talking to God, the creator of everything & our savior Prayer offers us an opportunity to let it go, to de-stress, to give it all to God Prayer acknowledges the power of God & affirms our faith in Him Prayer is way for us to love others

6. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. Hebrews 13:15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. Hebrews 13:15

7. Praising God should be continual and sacrificial A recognition that God grants us everything Giving glory and praise to God when things aren’t going your way; God’s plan is not always our plan Motivating ourselves to praise more Praise keeps things in perspective; it keeps us humble Praise is a way that we can be a part of something much larger than just us; it’s uniting Praise is rejuvenating; refueling; empowering; moving

9. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Deuteronomy 11:18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Deuteronomy 11:18

10. Discovering & understanding God’s will is inspiring When we study God’s word we are connected to God Motivating ourselves to study scripture To gain knowledge & get direction To teach others & answer questions To find parallels to my own circumstances Let’s me know that I’m not alone in, nor am I the first to, struggle

12. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4

13. Give us an opportunity to connect With the purpose of Christ’s life and death By listening to where we’re called (Holy Spirit) Motivating ourselves to sacrifice Out of gratitude & a sense of debt-owed So that others can see and potentially come to Christ Helps me keep my trust where it belongs, in God To acknowledge, use, and strengthen the gift of our talents It’s the antidote to selfishness, materialism, and worldliness

15. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalms 139:23-24

16. Recognizing that we are not perfect or capable reaffirms our dependence on Christ Reminds us continually why Christ died for us and why we united with Him through baptism Motivating ourselves to reflect To be worthy & prepared to humbly approach God To bring my faults into consciousness, and guard against my weaknesses To be able to move on….God’s concerned with where were going not where we have been

18. Family worship Resources are online! Feedback and discussion welcomed! kevinb@cordovachurch.com daved@cordovachurch.com