A word jumped out at me this morning, from a simple text. The word was "worship."
I have thought about it all day. What does it mean to worship, and why does the mere word capture my heart? I went in search of an adequate definition... and then I realized....
I can't define worship. The dictionary can't define worship. Like poetry, worship "shows," it does not "tell." It praises, thanks, sings, adores, celebrates, exalts, surrenders, prostrates, loves. So I will not waste attempts at the telling. I will let a handful of worshipers show...
"Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights. Praise
Him, all His angels, praise Him, all His hosts." (Psalm 148:1-2)
"Throughout the long hours I adore You, oh living Bread, amidst the great drought in my soul. O Jesus, pure Love, I do not need consolations; I am nourished by Your will." (St. Faustina, Diary #195)
"Thee I praise, O God my delight, for upon Thy Cross I have made my bed." (Blessed Angela of Foligno)
"O my Jesus, I love You, and I want to worship You with my very weakness, submitting myself entirely to Your holy will." (St. Faustina, Diary #782)
"In the fire, Azariah stood up and prayed aloud: 'Blessed are You, and praiseworthy, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and glorious forever is Your Name. For you are just in all you have done; all your deeds are faultless, all your ways right, and all your judgements proper...'" (Daniel 3:25-27)
"I recall that I received most light during adoration.... During that time, I came to know myself and God more profoundly." (St. Faustina, Diary #147)
"To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!" (Revelation 5:13)
Text not in quotes