5 Unique Ways to Worship God

Whitney Hopler

Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer
Published Jan 08, 2024
5 Unique Ways to Worship God

There are many different ways to worship God. Beyond the traditional ways of worshiping – such as praying and singing praise songs – you can discover other fresh and creative worship methods. Trying out some new worship practices can inspire you with awe and rejuvenate your relationship with God. So, shake up your worship practices to go on an adventure with God! Here are five unique ways to worship God: 

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Man looking up at the stars

1. Stargazing Prayer Nights

Travel to a place that’s good for stargazing – somewhere with an obstructed view of the sky, away from city lights, on a clear night. Find a quiet spot and lie down on a blanket so you’re facing the sky. As you gaze at the stars, meditate on Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Start praying in whatever ways you feel inspired to do so. Let yourself feel a sense of awe for the Creator of the cosmos. Consider the wondrous ways God has designed the universe. As you look at the brilliance of the night sky, thank God for his infinite power, creativity, and sovereignty. Connect with the awe-inspiring nature of God’s creation, and let it inspire a profound sense of humility and reverence in you. This unique form of worship invites you to ponder the mysteries of God’s universe and your place within it. The sheer vastness of space puts life into perspective, making your concerns seem small in comparison to God’s power. It reminds you that the same God who scattered the stars across the night sky knows you intimately, loves you completely, and hears and answers your prayers according to what is truly best. As you pray under the stars, trust God to help you with all your concerns. Give God your worries, let go of anxiety, and rest with confidence that God will help you with every situation. Let the light shining from the stars remind you that Jesus is the Light of the World and that he serves as your advocate. Enjoy resting in the love of the One who formed the galaxies and knows you by name. 

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woman outside hiking

2. Wonder Walks in Nature

Take regular breaks from your busy schedule to immerse yourself in nature and experience wonder there. Romans 1:20 says that creation reveals the Creator’s qualities: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Every part of nature can reveal something about God to you. So, worship God in his creation by taking wonder walks, which are walks to intentionally look for God’s wonder around you. You can take wonder walks anywhere in nature – in your neighborhood, in a local park, or anyplace where you’d like to travel to enjoy a specific type of nature (a forest, a lake, an ocean, a desert, etc.). As you walk, open up your senses to the natural world around you. Let the sights, sounds, and scents you experience lead you into a contemplative state. Become an active observer of God’s intricate handiwork. Notice the delicate balance of ecosystems as creatures coexist harmoniously. Marvel at the intricacies of a flower, the patterns of tree bark, and the symmetrical beauty of a spider’s web. In these small details, discover the evidence of a Creator who delights in diversity and order. Enjoy how the nature that surrounds you becomes a living testament to God’s creativity and attention to detail. Reflect on how God sustains all life – including your own life – in a wondrous and well-designed system. As you walk, let the rhythm of your steps remind you that the Holy Spirit is right there with you, everywhere you go. When you feel the wind around you, praise God for his constant presence with you. Let your walk become a spiritual pilgrimage that moves you closer to your Creator in the middle of creation. 

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3. Gratitude Journaling

3. Gratitude Journaling

Cultivate a habit of recording blessings in a dedicated gratitude journal every evening. This practice invites you to intentionally focus on the positive aspects of your life, acknowledging and appreciating the various ways God manifests his goodness. As you open your journal, reflect on the events of that day – both big and small. Consider the people who have touched your life, the unexpected moments of joy, and the challenges that have motivated you to grow spiritually. Let every entry become a heartfelt expression of thanks to God, following the advice of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude journaling can shift your focus from what is lacking in your life to what is abundantly present. The process trains your mind to notice God’s work in every circumstance. Through this practice, you can discover that even in the middle of challenges, there are reasons to be grateful. The act of writing itself becomes a form of prayer. As you put pen to paper, you’re not just listing items but engaging in a conversation with God, expressing your gratitude for his provision, guidance, and love. Your gratitude journal becomes a tangible record of God’s faithfulness over time, so reading it during challenging seasons in your life can encourage you to keep trusting God, no matter what. The practice of gratitude journaling can transform your perspective on every situation in your life, leading you to experience contentment and joy. As you write about blessings in your journal each evening, you can enjoy a powerful worship time with God to end each day and look forward to the next one.

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holding hands kindness

4. Intentional Kindness

Another powerful way to worship God is by intentionally choosing kindness day by day. Since God has been kind to you, he calls you to be kind to others – and answering that call is an expression of worship. Ephesians 4:32 exhorts you to: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” So, make kindness a regular worship practice in your life. Move beyond just random acts of kindness and purposefully choose to infuse every aspect of your life with kindness. Deliberately choose kind words and actions, creating ripples of love that touch the lives of those around you. Rather than waiting for opportunities to be kind, actively seek ways to encourage others through kindness. Consider the impact of your words carefully, and choose language that is caring and compassionate. Aim to listen more than you talk, to give others the gift of being heard. Serve others through kind actions whenever you can – from small ways (like smiling at people) to big ways (such as helping a friend through a crisis or volunteering regularly for a charitable organization). This intentional approach to kindness can transform your daily interactions into sacred moments, as God’s love flows through your life into other people’s lives. By being kind on purpose, you can participate in God’s redemptive work, spreading grace and mercy and fostering unity. You’re worshiping our loving God by making intentional kindness a cornerstone of your character and weaving it into the fabric of your relationships and activities. The more you choose kindness, the more you choose to live your life the way God intends – with love.

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5. A Liturgy of Everyday Life

5. A Liturgy of Everyday Life

Infuse your daily routine with sacredness by noticing God with you throughout your day and transforming mundane activities into moments of worship. The concept of the liturgy of everyday life is an invitation to recognize the holiness embedded in ordinary tasks. As you engage in your daily activities, view each task as an opportunity to glorify God, as Colossians 3:17 encourages: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Approach your daily routine with mindfulness, recognizing that God is with you through it all. Whether you’re preparing a meal, doing household chores, or working, be mindful of God’s presence with you, and connect with him by talking with him as you would if a friend was there with you. See what you can notice about God’s work while you work. For example, the simple act of making your bed can make you aware of God’s desire for order, and help you notice glimpses of God’s order in your life. The liturgy of everyday life encourages you to be fully present in the moment, so you can recognize God’s goodness in the middle of your daily responsibilities. In addition, every week on the Sabbath day, practice a digital detox. Dedicate that day to disconnect from technology so you can minimize distractions and focus on God. Use this time to deepen your connection with God, through prayer and meditation, as well as Bible reading and study. Draw inspiration from Jesus’ words in Mark 6:31: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” God is not confined to the sacred spaces of churches, but is present with you wherever you are. Your office, kitchen, living room, or any other space you occupy can become a sanctuary where you worship God. By embracing the liturgy of everyday life, you integrate your faith into every facet of your existence, making your daily activities a form of worshiping God. 

In conclusion, worship goes beyond just traditional practices. You’re free to worship in many different creative ways. By pursuing unique ways to worship God, you can discover fresh inspiration that can rejuvenate your relationship with God. So, try reaching out to God in fresh ways, and expect him to meet you where you are. Step out of your worship routine into some new adventures and look forward to experiencing God’s love and wonder when you do!

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headshot of author Whitney HoplerWhitney Hopler is the author of the Wake Up to Wonder book and the Wake Up to Wonder blog, which help people thrive through experiencing awe. She leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Whitney has served as a writer, editor, and website developer for leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She has also written the young adult novel Dream Factory. Connect with Whitney on X/Twitter and on Facebook

Originally published Tuesday, 09 January 2024.