Sometimes when I hear the word “worship,” I think of Sunday morning worship. The praise team takes the stage, hands up, lights dimmed, and everyone is “all in” and dressed in their best attire.
Can I hear an amen?
As much as I may think so, the Bible gives us a clear understanding of what worship actually is by emphasizing that it is more than just singing songs or attending church events. It is a life of surrender, offering oneself to God with deep reverence for Jesus.
Commit to praying with your spouse for the next 30 days. Sign up here.
Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, mindful of the mercy of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship.”
Reading this reminds me that worship is not just about what we do in church services, but how we live every moment of our lives and give ourselves fully to God in every situation. I like to think I’m a practical person, but if you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what worship really looks like in your family life.
To be honest, there are many areas in my life that should be used as platforms for worship. But as a spouse and a parent, I’ve had to sit down and reflect on how I can more intentionally use those paths as opportunities to worship God.
In our daily interactions, whether it’s how we handle disagreements, how we support one another, or how we show patience and grace, we truly offer ourselves as living sacrifices.
What is worship in marriage?
In marriage, it means loving your spouse when it’s not easy. Because marriage isn’t necessarily an important movie. In difficult moments like these, I have to surrender and say: “Lord, please help me understand what I am here to do. I am here, I belong to You.” A beautiful moment says, “Lord, thank you for this joy and for bringing us together. I cherish this time as a gift from You.” Lately, I’ve been more intentional about:
1. Prayer communication.
We have tried to develop the habit of praying together, not just during difficult times, but as a regular part of our relationships. When we bring our concerns, joys, and decisions to God as a couple, we invite God’s guidance into our marriage. This practice helps align our hearts with the Lord’s will and foster a deeper connection. It says, “We are in this situation with God and seek His wisdom and blessing in all we do.” Check out this devotion to help you get started. It’s called “5 Ways to Pray as a Couple.”
2. Express your gratitude.
Regularly acknowledge and thank God and your spouse for the small things they do. Simply saying “I appreciate it” or “Thank you” is a good thing to do.
3. Serve each other.
Look for opportunities to be of service to your spouse, such as taking on household chores that your spouse doesn’t like or helping with responsibilities. Acts of service help us worship God by putting our spouse’s needs before our own.
What is worship as a parent?
Have you ever tried to explain the importance of patience to a child who believes that waiting five minutes equals forever? At times like these, worshiping God through parenting may mean showing them what patience really looks like, even if it means testing your own limits. It’s about modeling grace and understanding and using those daily challenges as teachable moments that reflect God’s love and character.
Here are some ways I’m approaching this today.
1. Bedtime battle.
When my 2-year-old twins resist going to bed, I have tried to worship God by practicing patience and creating a calming routine. I use this time for us to pray together and show my children that even bedtime is an opportunity to seek peace and express gratitude.
2. Throwing a tantrum in public.
Now, this is a difficult one. Honestly, they all are, but in the midst of public chaos, I aim to worship God by remaining calm and cool. Our ability to manage situations with grace reflects God’s love and patience and can teach our children resilience and self-control.
3. Sibling fighting.
In moments of quarrels between brothers, worship God by promoting reconciliation and teaching conflict resolution. Teach them how to love and forgive one another, reflecting God’s unity and compassion in their relationships.
It’s about our heart of worship
Have you ever heard the poem “I Come Back to the Center of Worship” by Matt Redman? It perfectly captures the essence of what true worship is about: Jesus. When we offer God our daily struggles and victories with gratitude and humility, we are worshiping as powerfully as Sunday morning worship.
This is a reminder that worship is not limited to rituals and routines. It is about the relationship with God that we develop through our daily lives. True worship is not so much a ritual as it is a relationship, a practice of faith in every role we play every day.
Copyright © 2025 Family Life. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
Ashford Sonny is a Next Generation pastor at Cape Carteret Baptist Church and a Family Life contributor. He enjoys learning and sharing the practical life application of God’s Word in marriage, family, and how to walk with Jesus. Ashford and his wife Olivia currently live in North Carolina with their twin girls Ivy and Oakley.
