There are two kinds of worship. One is public worship with the church. We have just studied public worship. The second is private worship. Private worship is worship given to God by one person (or family) while he is alone. The most common ways for a person to worship privately is by praying or reading the scriptures. Most private worship is conducted in the home and may include a whole family.
Jesus found times to go to a private place where he could be alone and pray to God (Matthew 14:23; Luke 6:12). When Paul and Silas were put in prison, they sang and prayed to God at midnight (Acts 16:25). While one must worship with the church, he also can worship privately. Private worship can help a Christian feel close to God every day of the week.
What are some of the ways a Christian can worship privately? One way is by thanking God. James 2:17 says that every good thing people receive comes from God. Paul stated that God gives life and breath to all, and we live, move, and have our being in God (Acts 17:25, 28). It is proper to thank God daily for His blessings, and the giving of such thanks is worship. Many Christians give a prayer of thanksgiving before they eat their food. Some Christians have a private morning prayer thanking God for life and for a new day. They ask God to guide them through the day. Christians can also close their day with prayer before going to sleep. Thanks for the day's blessings can be given, and forgiveness for mistakes can be asked. Also, one can ask for peace, safety, and rest through the night.
Family devotionals are a form of private worship. Fathers are commanded to nurture their children in the chastening and the admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). It is good for Christian families to worship together privately in their homes. A convenient time to do this is in the morning or the evening. A passage of scripture can be read and explained. The family can sing a song together. They can pray together. By this means children can learn scripture and can learn the meaning of real worship.
Some Christians like to find a quiet time each day for private study. They study both to feed their souls and to be close to God. Such study is often opened and closed with prayer.
Private worship can take place anywhere a Christian can privately honor his God and Savior. It can be at any hour of the day or night. It can be for a few moments or long in-depth study and meditation. It may be a simple prayer or it may be reading, singing, and praying. Private worship simply shows a Christian's love and devotion to God and Christ.
Private worship is good and is helpful. Yet, private worship can not take the place of public worship with the church. The church is our spiritual family. We need that familyHebrews10:25 teaches us not to forsake the assemblies of the church. Any time a Christian has opportunity to worship with the church he should do so.
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