We can hope for the nations to glorify Him, but does that happen in your own heart? Are you routinely falling before the throne to offer worship and praise? Do you hear His word and honor Him with your love and obedience? Do you actually speak His praise to Him? I want to be diligent to worship publicly, but I want to be committed to private worship too.

I had never been asked that question before, and to my shame, it took me by surprise. I had thought about discipleship in terms of Bible reading, prayer, fellowship, evangelism. But worship? It seems like the obvious thing now, but somehow in my mind I had separated out the daily disciplines of grace from their purpose. I had a lot of good “why” answers for the disciplines, but I had missed the biggest one. Why pursue God? For worship! And not just at the public gatherings, but privately too.

Why do I read my Bible? Because I want to grow in knowledge of God? Of course. To know and follow His commands? Absolutely. But most importantly, that I might worship Him. I want to behold His glory so that I can bow down and worship (Ex 34:8). Why pray? To give to God my petitions? Yes. To confess my sins? Yes.

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