WORSHIP means to serve Romans 1:1, praise Acts 16:25, honorJohn 5:23 and glorify or praise the one who is greater1 Corinthians 6:20. In worship, a spiritual person humbly submits. When a Christian enters into a relationship with God, they experience the rights and blessings that come from the relationship, they learn how to pray to God effectively.
Worship is divided into two parts, the first one being personal and involves prayer Psalm 55:16-18, reading the BibleJoshua 1:8, meditation Psalm 1:1-2 and fasting Matthew 17:14-21. Then we have public worship where all believers meet to edify themselves.Hebrews 10: 25 encourages us not to neglect the assembling of believers.
The atmosphere in which activities are conducted should be in a fitting and orderly manner.1 Corinthians 14:40 and Acts 4: 25-31, in worship, everything must be done in harmony and with order. Even when the gifts of the Holy Spirit are being exercised, there is no excuse for disorder. In Matthew 17:5 everything done in corporate or public worship must be beneficial to the worshipers. Those contributing to a worship service must speak useful words and participate in a way that will strengthen that faith of other believers. Allow God to work among believers as He would like. Make sure that what you bring to worship is appropriate but also make sure that you participate.
The New Testament does not contain and order of worship but does show an insight of what is involved, the Lord’s supper Matthew 26:17-29, singing for mutual edification and praising God Ephesians 5:18-20, prayer Matthew 6: 5-15. JC Chaote writes in his book,‘New Testament Worship,’“so many go to worship only out of habit or because of the insistence of someone. Many just go through the routine of worship, but never actually worship. These are the people who have never discovered the meaning of worship and consequently never get anything from it.”
Worship is first and foremost an encounter with the living and holy God. Moses when he had an encounter with God in the bush, He (God) told him to take off his sandals for the ground he was standing on was holy we can read this in Exodus 3:5. God is our friend, father and creator but He is also our sovereign Lord. To approach him casually or as though you were an invited guest before him shows lack of respect and sincerity. This is why should not go to worship God dressed casually, in shorts, branded t-shirts, sports jersey but rather dress for success as you are having an encounter with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Worship is only as real as the involvement of those participating, don’t go before God with a wondering mind as if you are in a wrong place and you just don’t know what is happening. This leads to the next important point which I also want to put across, true worship experience is often a direct result of preparation for worship. Following every program, not going late for church gives you an opportunity to prepare your hearts for worship. Unless your heart is ready, worship is meaningless. God is delighted when you are prepared to come before him in a spirit of thankfulness.
This is why we are having members within the church complaining about how some fellow members dance, pray loudly it’s all because their hearts are not into the worship.
Others have an issue with the way others dress, their hearts are not into worship. If you are truly worshiping God withall your might you will only see the good and marvelous things He is doing and you will have no time to see things that are not beneficial to your spirit.
Pastor T T, from Christ Embassy Nigeria once said in one of his teaching on lateness to church. “When you go for church late even by one  minute it means you have not attended church at all.
There is a register of God, were angels’ record the name of those who come on time and you will be surprised that in heaven they will tell you that you have never attended church.” If Christ is saying where two or three are gathered I am in their midst do you think he comes late?
The time you give to start your programs for worship is the time He keeps. Arriving late for church means disrespect to Christ, betrayal of Christ, disregard to the church and the pastor and interruption of an eternal program, some shoes are too noisy such that they make the whole church to turn around and see who has just come in.The way we are never late for work or to the airport is the same way we should never be late for worship.
Jesus said that the time has indeed come when true worshipers will worship the father in spirit and in truth, John 4: 23-24. True worshipers are those who do not limit or confine themselves to a certain place of worship but anywhere.
God is a spirit and He is everywhere. Be that true worshiper who will worship God at the work place, home, and anywhere you can think of. The Father is looking for those who will worship him in spirit and in truth without being ashamed.