Girls Life Application Study Bible - Flipbook - Page 66
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
AT CHURCH
HOW TO WORSHIP
It can be hard to know what to do at church, especially if
you are new to it. Here are some ways to engage at church:
SKILLS
Think about a super-popular band. Their followers are pretty
crazy about them, right? God wants us to feel that way about
him—to know him, love him, listen to him, obey him, and tell
everyone about him. That’s what worship is all about. Singing,
reading the Bible, and preaching are all parts of worship. But
the real heart of worship is the heart—connecting your heart
to God’s. These three Rs can help:
Greet God
When you go to someone’s house, the first thing you do is
greet that person. Church is all about meeting with God.
When you enter God’s house, greet him in prayer and ask him
to help you know him better through the service.
1
Give
Some people think, “I don’t get anything out of church.” That’s
the wrong attitude, because church isn’t about us—it’s about
God. We should be thinking, “What can I give in church?” You
can give part of your allowance or other money you’re given to
help with the ministries of the church. Talk with your parents
about how much money you can give (see “How to Manage
Money” on page 8.7). But giving isn’t only about money. It’s
also about giving your full attention to the sermon, to the singing, and to the other parts of the service. Taking notes helps
you give your full attention to what’s being said.
Get involved
Going to Sunday school or youth worship each week is a great
start to being an active participant at church. You can also
volunteer to help out in a ministry. Willing workers are always
needed. Could you hand out bulletins? Does your church’s
nursery need volunteers? Talk with a parent and your youth
leader about ways you can get involved. Also, don’t think that
because you’re young you can’t get involved. You can!
take it with you
Many activities you participate in at church aren’t confined
to the church building—and some don’t even require other
people. You can talk to God, sing praises to him, and serve
him no matter where you are or what you are doing. Ask God
to help you apply everything you are learning at church to
every part of your life.
7.4
2
Remember
what God has done for you. This affects your
attitude in worship. Approach God with a sense of gratitude
and reverence. The songs will remind you of his greatness—
that he is worth praising. Many worship songs are based on
Bible passages that talk about God’s great deeds and his love
for his people. They’re also about his faithfulness to keep
the promises he has made. Think of all worship—including
readings, prayers, special music, offering, Communion,
testimonies, and sermons—as a celebration of who God is
and what he has done.
Reflect the glory of God. When you sing a worship song or
tell someone about God, you’re honoring God by spreading
the truth about him. Even telling someone, “I saw a beautiful
flower the other day,” can be a way of praising God, because
creation itself shows God’s glory (see Psalm 19:1).
3
Respond to God’s grace. Worship is a response to the
truth of God. Giving money in the offering is a response;
so is following along in your Bible during the sermon.
Responding often involves prayer—thanking God for who
he is, confessing sin, or asking for help. And it also means
applying the Bible lesson to the way you think or act.
7.5
