How do we know if we have encountered God in worship? Do you feel good? Do you get a buzz? Do you have goose bumps? What? Can we even know that we have encountered God?

After years of studying the issue and leading “worship services” I have found that there are 6 consistent elements that confirm our encounter with God. These elements have been evident in my life and in those I have had spoken with concerning this thing called WORSHIP. This is not an exhaustive list but they are consistent.

Look at the list and see if you have encountered God lately.
• GRATITUDE-when we encounter God in worship our hearts will be full of thanksgiving for what He has done for us in the past and what he is doing for us NOW. Worship can cure a critical spirit. Luke 17:11-19 (NIV)
• PRAISE-we will have an over whelming desire to brag on God and will praise Him by telling others what He has done in our life. Ps.134:1-2 Ps. 66:16 Matt. 15:8 1 Cor. 14:40
• GIVING – This becomes a natural expression of what God has done for us. We become generous with our time, talents and resources. An encounter with God is a great antidote for selfishness. 2 Cor.9:6-8
• PRAYER is a vital part of worship. Prayer is a conversation with God. If we have not talked with Him or listened to Him in worship then our worship is incomplete. Luke 11:9-10 Ja. 5:16
• THE WORD- When we listen to His WORD, the bible, we receive personal instruction, inspiration and in some cases a rebuke. THE WORD is central in worship and it calls us to action. Worship is always active not passive. Ps.119:89 Jer.15:16 2 Tim.3:16 Ps. 119:105 2 Peter 1:19 Ro. 15:4
• OBEDIENCE-without this key element, all the others elements would be just a great bible study topic. Obedience is key to having a life-changing encounter with God. It will not matter what we do in our “worship service” if we do not obey once we leave. Isaiah 1:11-19 Rom.12:1