When listening to a sermon by the late Tim Keller, I was challenged when he outlined how we often treat God as a slot machine .... we go to Him with our requests, He gives us what we need, and we are happy. Not only is this highly shallow, but it is also not a genuine relationship. In the story of the Prodigal Son, we read about a son who wants what he can get out of his father ... his inheritance. I have been trying to use the ACTS prayer model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication).... but have been incredibly shallow and quickly brushed over the Adoration section. Yes, God is good. He is a fantastic creator who loves us incredibly.
This morning, there was a change. I spent time meditating on Jesus, the creator of our world, and us becoming one of us. Being poor, rejected, experiencing all of our human emotions, being God but hated and despised. What did this mean for Him, and why did He do this? Finally, He took our punishment on the cross; for the first time,e He had His Father turn away from Him, and He died a horrible death on the cross. I am so thankful my creator became one of us to not only understand what I am going through but love me so much that He took the punishment I deserved for my sins so I could have a relationship with Him and be filled with His Spirit now and be with Him and His Father for eternity. I pray this is encouraging and helpful.
The Importance of Adoration in Our Relationship with God
We often approach God with requests, petitions, and personal desires in our spiritual journey. While it is good and biblical to bring our needs before God (Philippians 4:6), there is a more profound and often neglected aspect of our relationship with Him—adoration. Adoring God means coming before Him not just to ask for things but to acknowledge who He is, worship Him for His attributes, and love Him for His own sake.
What is Adoration?
Adoration is worshipping and honouring God for who He is rather than for what He does for us. It expresses love, reverence, and awe directed toward God’s character and nature. Many Psalms are filled with adoration, as David and other psalmists often magnified God's greatness before making requests.
Psalm 95:6-7 encourages us: “Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.”
Adoration shifts our focus from ourselves to God. It reminds us that He is the centre of our existence, and everything we have belongs to Him.
Why is Adoration Important?
1. It Aligns Our Hearts with God’s Glory
We align our hearts with His purposes and glory when we adore God. Instead of a self-centred faith where we only seek His blessings, adoration moves us into a God-centered faith where our primary focus is on Him.
Jesus taught us this principle in the Lord’s Prayer:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9)
The very first request in the prayer is for God's name to be honoured. Before we ask for daily bread or forgiveness, Jesus instructs us to adore and glorify God.
2. It Strengthens Our Faith
Reflecting on God's character through adoration strengthens our faith. We develop greater trust in Him when we remind ourselves of His sovereignty, love, and power.
David practised this before facing Goliath. He declared God's past faithfulness:
“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37)
David walked boldly by magnifying God’s strength rather than focusing on the size of his problem. Similarly, when we adore God, our confidence in Him grows.
3. It Leads to True Worship
Jesus said:
“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
True worship is not just about singing songs but about acknowledging God's greatness and responding with love and reverence. When we adore God, our worship becomes more profound and more authentic.
Characteristics of God We Can Adore Him For
Adoring God involves meditating on His attributes and declaring them in worship. Here are some of His characteristics that inspire adoration:
1. God is Holy
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)
God’s holiness sets Him apart from all creation. He is pure, perfect, and without sin. When we adore His holiness, we recognise our need for Him and are drawn into deeper reverence.
2. God is Love
“God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal. Adoring His love leads us to gratitude and transforms our relationships with others.
3. God is Faithful
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23)
No matter what we face, God remains faithful. Adoring His faithfulness reassures us that He will never leave or forsake us.
4. God is Sovereign
“The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)
God is in control over all things. When we adore His sovereignty, we find peace in knowing that nothing happens outside of His divine plan.
5. God is Just
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before You.” (Psalm 89:14)
God is the ultimate judge, and His justice is perfect. Adoring His justice reminds us that evil will not prevail and that He will make all things right.
6. God is Merciful
“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” (Psalm 103:8)
We adore God for His mercy, knowing He does not treat us as our sins deserve but instead forgives and restores us.
7. God is Powerful
“Ah, Lord God! It is You who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17)
There is nothing beyond God's ability. When we adore His power, we are reminded that He is more significant than any challenge we face.
Practical Ways to Practice Adoration
Read and Meditate on Scripture – Spend time in Psalms and other passages that declare God's greatness.
Sing Worship Songs of Adoration – Songs like “How Great is Our God” and “Holy, Holy, Holy” help focus our hearts on His majesty.
Pray with a Focus on Who God Is – Begin prayers by acknowledging His attributes before bringing requests.
Write Out Attributes of God – Keep a journal listing God's characteristics and reflect on them daily.
Spend Time in Silent Reflection – Sit in God’s presence and adore Him without distraction.
Conclusion
Adoring God is not just an act of worship but a transformative practice that deepens our relationship with Him. It shifts our focus from ourselves to His Majesty, aligns our hearts with His purposes, strengthens our faith, and leads to true worship. As we intentionally adore God for who He is, we will experience renewed awe, love, and intimacy with our Creator.
Let us embrace adoration as a daily practice, declaring with the psalmist:
“I will extol You, my God and King, and bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You and praise Your name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:1-2)
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