Have you ever received a card, letter, text, or email where someone shared all the things about you they think are amazing? Or have you ever loved someone in a way that compelled you to gush out words on a page overflowing with love and admiration for them? It is a wonderful thing to feel seen and known by another in a way that highlights the best in you. Knowing someone who appreciates aspects of who we are endears us to them and them to us. We were designed to be loved well because that was placed in us by our creator. He loves us and sees us as perfect, fully redeemed and he knows us fully. He is constantly extending his love and admiration to us. Zephaniah 3:17, says,”The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” And he loves when we take the time to let him know how we love and adore him.
A biblical definition of adoration is “An attitude of worship characterized by love and reverence towards God.” (Bible Gateway). When we adore the Lord, we are praising him for who he is and what he has done. It is a recognition different from giving thanks. David, throughout the Psalms so eloquently pens his praise and adoration for God. He recognizes his attributes and loves to let God know he sees the different aspects of his nature through adoration.
We, too, can come into a posture of worship through adoration. Just like you would pen a love letter to your significant other, we can take time to sit with the Lord and remind him why we admire him, appreciate him, adore him, and love him. This is where we proclaim his goodness, his power, might, strength, and delight in his presence. God created us to love him. As we come into a posture of adoration towards God, it helps us to focus on who he is and what he is doing. Taking time to adore God invites our love relationship with him to grow and deepen. It takes our eyes off the things of the world and places our attention on the one in whom all things are possible.
Listening Prayer:
Ask the Holy Spirit to flood your mind with the attributes of God. Ask him to bring to remembrance the ways you have experienced the aspects of his nature. Spend time reflecting on what he reveals to you.
Prayer:
God, we lift your name high, above all other names, because you are great and worthy of our praise. You are the almighty, victorious, ever-present God. You are greater than any fear, bigger than any problem. You are the healer, in every sense of the word. Everything you do is motivated by love. No one shows kindness like you. You are generous beyond measure and you never run out of resources. There is none like you. You stand up for us when we need a defense. You encourage us when we are down. May we spend every breath proclaiming your goodness and sharing testimonies of how you have worked in our lives. Even in our darkest day, you comfort us and remind us we are not alone. You are reliable, trustworthy, and just. Your creativity is beyond measure. I marvel at all the ways you love. We bless you and glorify your name!
Continue as the Holy Spirit directs…
Action Step (Something new):
Spend time writing a love letter to God focusing on adoration.
Resource: Bible Verses on Adoration
“The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:2)
All of Psalm 29
“So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:2-4)
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36)
“My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge.” (Psalm 71:15)
Worship Song:
“Holy Forever” by Jenn Johnson and Bethel Music
“What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship