Biblical Elements of Worship
by , Pastor of Worship & Creative Arts

There are over 30 biblical elements, modes, or acts of worship that can be incorporated into our worship services. Make a mental list of as many elements of worship that you can think of right now, i.e. singing, praying, preaching, shouting, dancing etc.

  • Many of these are "no-brainer" things we already do...i.e. singing, prayer, scripture.
  • Others are elements found in scripture that we do periodically...i.e. communion, baptism.
  • Others may be acts or elements of worship we have purposefully omitted.
  • Others may be acts or elements we have never thought of...i.e. wave offerings, raised heads, standing with reverence, silence before the Lord, etc.

THE GOAL: If, as Christian worship leaders, we say we believe the Bible, then our worship services must be biblical. If they are to be biblical, they must include the elements found in the Bible.

"The church is reconsidering and reconfiguring this vital expression of its relationship with God. As a result, we more than ever need to study worship in its biblical context. From Genesis chapter 1, through the offerings of Cain & Abel; the sacrificial worship in the tabernacle, and the themes and poetry of Psalms; the intercessory prayers of the prophets and the teachings of Jesus; right on to the charismatic worship of the book of Acts and Corinthians, and the heavenly worship in Revelation, we need to know biblical worship, because anything else will not be acceptable to God."

Chuck Smith, Jr. "Depth & Breadth in Our Worship"
Worship Leader July/August 2003

A BASIC GIVEN: "All our worship must flow from a pure heart."

  • Jesus in Matthew 15:7-9 referenced the passage in Isaiah when confronting the Pharisees by calling them "Hypocrites!"
  • Always remember God knows our hearts and He knows our motives.
  • 1 Kings 8:39 Solomon's prayer, "For You alone know the hearts of all men."
  • Jeremiah 31:33 says, "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts."


1. Element of Worship
2. Biblical References
3. Explanation of element in light of scripture
4. Application (How to innovatively apply these elements into our worship services)

  • As a worship leader, remember you are teaching theology as you lead in worship.
  • The question is - Is your theology biblical?
  • Do the practices in your worship services have a biblical foundation?
  • Use the biblical references as you teach through example, modeling, and yes, even explanation.

ELEMENT #1 - "Shouting Praises to The Lord"

  • Biblical References - Psalm 33:3, Psalm 66:1-2, Psalm 81:1-2, Psalm 95:1-6
  • Explanation - Simply means - "Shout to the Lord." There is a release that happens spiritually when we shout to the Lord. We shout for the victory that has already taken place.
  • Application - Begin by singing about it, "Shout to The Lord" Use songs that include shouting "Freedom" by Darrell Evans "There is Freedom!" Move to times of worship where shouting is directed and modeled.

ELEMENT #2 - "The Ministry of Silence (Selah)"

  • Biblical References - Ecclesiastes 3:7, Habakkuk 2:20, Psalms 46:10, Psalms 119
  • Explanation - The word Selah is a Hebrew word meaning "to meditate, or be silent or to pray." Often we can mistake our loudness for worship or silence for a lull in worship. It seems that worshipers in the time of David were accustomed to moments of silence in the Tabernacle. Silence can be liberating as we still our hearts and minds to listen to His still small voice.
  • Application - Practice silence in your own life. As a leader be at peace with silence in worship. Anticipate and allow for planned times of silence and for spontaneous times of silence.

ELEMENT #3 - "Kneeling in Worship"

  • Biblical References - Psalms 95:6, Philippians 2:9-11, Ephesians 3:14
  • Explanation - Simply meant - "Kneel before the King." Worship in the Old Testament usually means "Shaha" to bow, kneel, or prostrate oneself. Often these physical directives in the scripture carry with them a sense of moving our body into a position to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. It has been said that a reverent Jew would seldom worship standing up.
  • Application - Practice kneeling yourself in your secret times of worship. Model kneeling in worship. Sing songs that speak of kneeling.

POINTS TO GARNER - use the internet: www.songselectlyrics.com has an online search by words (can be used with your CCLI number registration under license holder section).

ELEMENT #4 - "The Congregational Amen"

  • Biblical References -Deuteronomy 27:14-26, 1 Chronicles 16:36, Nehemiah 8:6, Psalms 106:48
  • Explanation - A spoken "AMEN" (SO-BE-IT) by the congregation. Moses' directions for worship included, "and all the people shall say AMEN." After hearing Ezra read the law, all the people raised their hands and shouted, "AMEN." Paul refers to the people's "AMEN" of thanksgiving. The Hebrew "Amen" has the force of strong affirmation or assent, usually to something spoken by another. During the reformation, Martin Luther interpreted the "Amen" as an expression of "firm and hearty belief"
  • Application - Use the Amen both directed and spontaneous. Use readings either scripture or other Christian readings with an inserted pause, allowing for the "Amen & Amen" to be given vocally. Know your audience...the idea is of a vocal response of agreement, some have changed the "amen" to "so-be-it", "yes, we believe" or "right-on"...follow the Spirit's leading.

ELEMENT #5 - "Raised Heads - Lifting of The Eyes (gaze) to Heaven"

  • Biblical References - Psalms 3:3-4, Psalms 24:7-9, Luke 21:28, Nehemiah 8:6
  • Explanation - Lifting of the HEAD or EYES upwards in worship.
  • Application - Use songs dealing with the eyes..."I Lift My Eyes Up" (Vineyard - Brian Doerkson). Actually give directions: to make it clear you may want to write out exactly what you're going to say. Read the various scriptures listed and give an explanation of the act. You may want to research and share the significance of the eyes as "windows into the soul", with various scriptures that deal with the eyes. www.redbay.com/ekklesia/lifteyes.htm

ELEMENT # 6 - "Bowed Heads"

  • Biblical References - Genesis 19:1, Isaiah 58:5, Micah 6:6-8
  • Explanation - The act of bowing is a symbol of reverence and acknowledgement of royalty. Think of how the Muslim faith has modeled this through false worship, we could learn from their example.
  • Application - "That's why we praise Him, ...That's why we bow down, and worship this King" Tommy Walker. This act is one that can be modeled, and also explained and directed. "Here I am to worship; here I am to bow down" Tim Hughes

ELEMENT #7 - "Lying Prostrate before the Lord"

  • Biblical References -1 Chronicles 29:20, Nehemiah 8:6, 1 Kings 18:39, Numbers 24:4 & 16, Deuteronomy 9:18 & 25, 1 Samuel 24:8, 1 Samuel 28:14
  • Explanation - Simply stated - "Lying in a prostrate position before the Lord." It is seen as a variation of "bowing low." The passage in 1 Chronicles suggests that one day they "bowed low and fell prostrate before the Lord" - then the next day they were filled with great joy "in the presence of the Lord" could it be that true humility before the Lord is a prerequisite for true joy? Nehemiah says "their FACES were to the ground" and Nehemiah 24:16 says, that after they fell prostrate (flat) - "their eyes were opened" (spiritual significance).
  • Application - After Moses broke the first set of "Ten commandments" he "once again fell prostrate before the Lord for 40 days & 40 nights" it was in this position Moses repented and in Deuteronomy 9:19 Moses reveals that "again the Lord listened to me." Many of these elements of worship would be practiced if we simply gave people permission visually and verbally along with a simple explanation.

ELEMENT #8 - "Declaring our Thanks"

  • Biblical References - Hebrews 13:15
  • Explanation - The fruit of our lips giving THANKS to His name. Enter His gates with "Thanksgiving" Psalm 100.
  • Application - We should allow for times of thanksgiving in our worship services - times to express our thanksgiving both out loud and silently. This could be set-up with several scriptures and the phrases - "Let us declare our thanks today for ___." "Let's spend some moments thanking the Lord for ___."

ELEMENT #9 - "Affirmation of Faith / Creeds"

  • Biblical References - Numerous - www.creeds.net
  • Explanation - Creed: The Latin word credo means "to believe/trust, commit or trust in." The English definition of "creed" is as follows: A formal statement of religious belief; a confession of faith. We Believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God (2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Peter 1:21). We Believe there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30). Affirmations of Faith taken from the Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4 - Hear O Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD alone. 1 Kings 18:39 - And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, "The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God." Matthew 16:16 - Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Other references - Matthew 28:19; John 1:49; 6:68-69; 20:28; Acts 8:36-37; 16:31; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 12:3; 15:3-7; Philemon 2:6-11
  • Application - Some churches have rejected creeds wanting to stay solely with scripture as the only creed - sola scriptura - Each worship leader- and pastor must decide their beliefs about the use of creeds, but don't minimize the use of these affirmations of our faith.

ELEMENT #10 - "Singing - PSALMS"

  • Biblical References - Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, Ephesians 5:18-19, Matthew 26:29-30
  • Explanation - Could refer to the actual - Psalms themselves or means a striking, twanging along with the chords of a musical instrument, could refer to a pious song, a psalm. The leading idea of the Psalms is that they were accompanied by musical instruments.
  • Application - Sing the Psalms and allow for the accompanying of them.

ELEMENT #11 - "Singing - HYMNS"

  • Biblical References - Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:18-19, Matthew 26:29-30, James 5:13
  • Explanation - A song in the praise of gods, heroes, and conquerors; a sacred song, hymn related to celebration; generally meant a song of praise to God.
  • Application - Doesn't mean a song in the hymnal, there are hymns being written today by leaders in the worship renewal movement. "You Are My King" or "Sing to the King" - Billy James Foote, a wonderful Hymn.

ELEMENT #12 - "Singing - SPIRITUAL SONGS"

  • Biblical References - Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:18-19, Matthew 26:29-30, James 5:13
  • Explanation - A song, lay, or an ode -the ode is a generic term. Psalmos and humos are specific meaning a song which took its general character from the Old Testament Psalms, although not restricted to them the latter was a song of praise. Ode is the general word for a song, whether accompanied or not, whether of praise or on any other subject.
  • Application - Numerous songs fall into this category.

ELEMENT #13 - "Sing a New Song"

  • Biblical References - 6 Psalms refer to "singing a new song", Ephesians 5:13,14, Philippians 2:5-11, 1 Timothy 3:16, 2 Timothy 2:11-13, Revelation 5:7-10, Revelation 14:2-3, Revelation 15:3-4
  • Explanation - New songs only flow out of spirit filled believers.
  • Application - Allow for new songs to come forth spontaneously, sing new songs yourself, Several songs we use now in worship were actually birthed as spontaneous songs in live worship ex. "Breathe" & "Change my Heart, O God"

ELEMENT #14 - "The Confession"

  • Biblical References - Isaiah 57:16-19, Psalms 38:18, Ezra 10:11, Philippians 2:11, James 5:16, Leviticus 26:40, 2 Corinthians 9:13
  • Explanation - "Creating praise on the lips of mourners" Isaiah 57:19; Acknowledgement of our sin, admission of guilt; "Make confession to the Lord...." Ezra 10:11
  • Application - "Breathe" is a perfect example of a musical confession. "Sweet Mercies" "It's our confession Lord ...." Confessions can be sung, or spoken individually or corporately. Confessions can be predetermined and made corporately or individually, or also spontaneous. Confessions can be either about ourselves, our depravity, and can lead into confessions of who God is.

ELEMENT #15 - "Dancing Before The Lord"; "Let them praise His name in the dance: let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp."

  • Biblical References: Psalms 149:3, Psalms 150:4
    Hebrew words for dance in the Old Testament:
    CHIYL - to twist or whirl in a circular manner Judges 21:21
    MACHOWL - a round dance Psalms 30:11, Jeremiah 31:4
    MECHOWLAH-a dance / company of dancers Judges 11:34, Exodus 15:20
    DALAG - to leap or spring Song of Solomon 2:8, Isaiah 35:6
    CHAGAG-to move in a circle / march in a sacred procession / celebrate a festival / dance Psalms 42:4, Zechariah 14:18
    Greek Words For Dance in The New Testament:
    ORCHEOMAI - to dance Matthew 11:17
    CHOROS - a round dance Luke 15:25
    AGALLIAO - jump for joy / rejoice greatly Matthew 5:12, Revelation 19:7
    SKIRTAO - jump for joy Luke 1:41 and 6:23
  • Explanation - Jephthah's daughter - Judges 11:34; Ladies dancing in the vineyard Judges 21:21-23; Children playing games - Matthew 11:17; The return of the prodigal son Luke 15:25; Celebrating victory - 1 Samuel 18:6-7; There is to be dancing (and joy) when Israel is restored - Jeremiah 31:4 & 13; Miriam led dancing, singing, and praise - Exodus 15:20-21; David danced before the Ark of the Lord - 2 Samuel 6:14-23; We are to praise God with dancing - Psalms 149:3 & 150:4
  • Application - Dancing can be done individually in corporate worship and can also be done by a team of individuals. Many of the Jewish dances that are done in certain circles can actually be traced back to Jesus' day.

ELEMENT #16 - "Clap Your Hands All You People"

  • Biblical References - Psalms 47:1, Psalms 98:8
  • Explanation - Applauding is most always a sign of affirmation; its always a positive response. We clap our hands in response to the Lord.
  • Application - Model this element of worship as well as educating your congregation when this particular element isn't appropriate. (Sometimes we fall into the trap of applauding as a congregation out of habit instead of praise)

ELEMENT # 17 - "Standing With Reverence Before The Lord & Taking an Oath"

  • Biblical References -Deuteronomy 29:10 & 15, 1 Samuel 19:20
  • Explanation - It is often mentioned in scripture that they stood with reverence because they were preparing to take an oath before the Lord.
  • Application - Sometimes we need to both stand with reverence before the Lord and to take an oath. An example of this could be "promise-ring" ceremonies, abstinence pledges, It could be that as a congregation there are times when an oath or pledge would be a great addition to a worship service. Example - Dedication of a new building, sending off of missionaries.

ELEMENT #18 - "Calling The People to Worship"

  • Biblical References - Exodus 19:10-11, 13b, "Go to the people and consecrate them today", 2 Kings 23:1-2a, "Then the King called together the elders", Nehemiah 8:1,18b "all the people assembled"
  • Explanation - Often we run into worship with out calling the people. If we call, we should wait and see if the people will answer the call to worship (there should be an answer to the call).
  • Application - There are a variety of ways to call the people to worship, you can use different methods...scripture, a song, a prayer, a shout etc.

ELEMENT #19 - "Lifting of Hands"

  • Biblical References - Ezra 9:5, 1 Kings 8:22, 8:54, Psalms 28:2, 63:4, 119:48,134:2
  • Explanation - The lifting of hands was common in Old Testament times. The Hebrew word "yada" - meaning "thanks" actually means "to revere or worship with extended hand."
  • Application - Hands can be lifted during songs of praise, during prayers, and during the congregational amen Nehemiah 8:6-8 again this can be modeled and even directed.

ELEMENT #20 - "Prayer - Public & Private"

  • Biblical References - 1 Corinthians 14:14-15, 2 Corinthians 1:3
  • Explanation - Prayer often is accompanied by a physical posture. Bowing - submission (4 times in the bible). Standing - respect (6 times in the bible). Lifting the eyes - looking to the source of blessing (9 times in the bible). Kneeling - humility (12 times in the bible). Hands lifted - expectancy, servitude (14 times in the bible). Prostration - awe in the divine presence (28 times in the bible). Taken from "The New Worship Straight Talk on Music and The Church" by Barry Liesch - Baker books. www.worshipinfo.com
  • Application - Prayers can be read, spontaneous, and directed. We can be creative in the ways we pray. Our services need to allow for times of prayer. Promise keepers, OneDay

ELEMENT #21 - "Preaching of The Word"

  • Biblical References - 1 Corinthians 1:17, 14:26 15:14
  • Explanation - Preaching or teaching has a biblical foundation
  • Application - There are many ways to communicate the gospel...use them all.

ELEMENT #22 - "Wave Offering"

  • Biblical References - Leviticus 9:21, 23:4 & 10, Numbers 18:11
  • Explanation - An offering made in the Jewish services by waving the object, as a loaf of bread, toward the four cardinal points. Some churches take their offerings in this manner with the baskets or plates being lifted high once they are collected. This element carries with it a sense of "lifting" anything before the Lord for consecration.
  • Application - Could this be one element of worship that could be recaptured? (Not the "wave" as we know it) Something happens when we join our lifted hands together as one mass unit. As with many of the elements of worship there is a sense of community that takes place when we move as one unit in worship.

ELEMENT # 23 - "Scripture Reading in Worship"

  • Biblical References - Nehemiah 8:5-8, Luke 4:16 (Jesus reading the scroll)
  • Explanation - Simply meant use the public reading of scripture in worship. Are we known as people of the "Book" (do we even refer to the Bible in our worship - is our worship saturated with the word)? Often scripture is read carelessly and hurriedly. God's Spirit is poured out through the scripture (it won't return void); it's active, and is a channel of the Spirit's power.
  • Application - Plan for the public reading of scripture in the worship services you lead and involve people of all ages to read the scriptures. Use different translations i.e. The Message, NIV, King James, etc. Use thematic scriptures that fit with the flow, but also use other passages that stand alone. (Other creative ways can be by using readers theater, and the use of either the Jesus film, or the film Jesus, According to Matthew where the scripture references are on screen.) "Word of God Speak" - Mercy Me.

ELEMENT #24 - "Communion"

  • Biblical References - "and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘This is My Body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.' In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My Blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." 1 Corinthians 11:24-26
  • Explanation - Biblical examples tell us that it was a part of the believer's gatherings.
  • Application - Churches vary in their approach on the frequency and how to administer it. We could all benefit by evaluating our practices and make sure we are being obedient to do this "until He comes."

ELEMENT #25 - "Offerings"

  • Biblical References - 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 Corinthians 9:12, Romans 15:27
  • Explanation - Paul says very little about worship practices of the early church. In fact, he rarely uses the ordinary Greek words for worship in connection with the newly developing Christian communities. But he does take a Greek word for worship used throughout the Greek Old Testament, and he uses it for offerings. He was referring to a collection for famine relief - Romans 15:27; 2 Corinthians 9:12. This seemingly ordinary service to the saints was actually an act of worship. The offering is the giving of TRIBUTE to the King - Psalms 96. We would do go to differentiate between the tithe and the offering.
  • Application - To make sure that the offering is seen as an act of worship announce the time with the following intros. "Hear the Word of God regarding the offering..." "Here are some guidelines for giving from God's Word..." "It is no casual act to give of your money to God's work. Listen to these words from the Scriptures...." "...an opportunity to participate with God." "...the thrill of working with God." "...God's M.O." "...your means of Giving Life." "The offering is a time for us to put our worship into action by giving back to God a portion of what He has given us."

ELEMENT #26 - "Playing Musical Instruments"

  • Biblical References -1 Samuel 10:5, 2 Samuel 6:5, 1 Chronicles 13:8, 15:16, 28, Psalms 81:2-3, 92:3, 150
  • Explanation - Simply stated there is a biblical precedent for every family of instruments.
  • Application - Use it or loose it! Find away to expand the various instruments used in worship. Find out what instruments might be represented in your congregation and find a way to incorporate their use in worship.

POINTS TO GARNER - Great resource for instrumental music - www.praisecharts.com

ELEMENT #27 - "Greeting"

  • Biblical References - Romans 16:16, 1 Peter 5:14, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26
  • Explanation - There was a reason Paul admonished the church to greet one another. Devout Jews did not socially associate with non-Jews. They commonly had little or no respect for non-Jews who worshipped idols. "Can you believe those people! They call a carved piece of wood or stone 'god'? How ignorant!" Then, suddenly, a converted Jew found himself brother to a converted idolater--only because they both were in Christ. How awkward! Non-Jews commonly had little respect for Jews. The non-Jews experienced rejection and discrimination for generations. "Those prejudiced arrogant people! My money is always good, but I never am! They have absolutely no respect for us! They hold us in contempt!" Then, suddenly, a converted idolater found himself brother to a converted Jew--only because they both were in Christ. How awkward!
  • Application - It was believed that "greeting one another" was a common act between Christians down through the ages, it is just recently become a more directed act of worship as churches have grown larger.

ELEMENT #28 - "Dedication of Babies"

  • Biblical References -1 Samuel 1-2:1, Samuel was dedicated to the Lord, Sampson was dedicated, John the Baptist, Moses, etc.
  • Explanation - Luke 2:21-22, "And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord."
  • Application - The presenting of "children to the Lord" is more of a commitment of the parents and should be clarified as different than infant baptism.

ELEMENT #29 - "Baptism"

  • Biblical References - Matthew 28:19-20 ,
  • Explanation - The rite of water baptism should be preceded by instruction of the candidates from the Word of God. This ought to include its significance as a public identification with and commitment to Christ as well as the symbolic meaning of the mode. The words of our Lord in Matthew 28:19-20 will give a firm basis for obedience in this act.
  • Application - (if you don't have a baptismal tank, a horse trough makes a great baptismal).

ELEMENT #30 - "A Response"

  • Biblical references - Isaiah 6:8 "Here am I. Send me!" Luke 2:28-32 "now let thy servant depart."
  • Explanation - More than an invitation (which is a 20th century phenomenon) hopefully we are always responding during our worship "God speaks, we respond, God speaks, we respond." The response is superimposed over the whole service.
  • Application - Allow for times of response, if your tradition is the end of the service, consider allowing for response at different times in your services, and allow for different ways to respond, be creative.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"The New Worship - Straight Talk on Music and the Church", Barry Liesch, Baker Books, www.worshipinfo.com

"The Practice of Praise" Don McMinn, NCM Press, www.6acts.org

"A Heart Aflame" Don McMinn, NCM Press, www.6acts.org

"Entering His Presence" Don McMinn, NCM Press, www.6acts.org

"Understanding, preparing for, and practicing CHRISTIAN WORSHIP, Second edition" Franklin M. Segler revised by Randall Bradley Broadman & Holman Publishers

"Worship Evangelism" Sally Morganthaler Zondervan Publishing House,
www.sacramentis.com

"Future Worship" Lamar Boschman Renew From Gospel Light, www.lamarboschman.com

"Thoughts on Worship" Edited by John Wimber Vineyard Music Group, www.vineyardmusic.com

"The Worship Maze - Finding a Style to Fit Your Church" Paul Basden InterVarsity Press

"Keys to Becoming an Effective WORSHIP LEADER" Tom Kraueter Emerald Books, www.worshipmusic.com

"Worship Team Handbook" InterVarsity Press

"Worship is A Verb" Robert E. Webber, Abbot Martyn Press, www.ancientfutureworship.com

www.worshiptogether.com