How can you practically "bow down" in worship as described in Psalm 138:2? Scripture Focus “I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; for You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.” (Psalm 138:2) What Bowing Down Means • A literal, physical lowering of the body before God • A visible confession that He alone is exalted (Psalm 95:6) • An inward surrender of will, plans, reputation, and rights (Romans 12:1) Practical Ways to Bow Down Physically • Kneel beside the bed or in a quiet corner during personal devotion • Stretch out face-down on the floor (“prostration”) when overwhelmed by His holiness • Bow the head during congregational singing or Scripture reading • Lift hands while bowing—or alternate between standing and kneeling—to engage the whole body in worship (1 Timothy 2:8) Practical Ways to Bow Down with the Heart • Begin each day by consciously yielding plans to the Lord: “Your will, not mine” • Invite the Holy Spirit to expose hidden pride; immediately confess and forsake it (1 John 1:9) • Cultivate thankfulness by listing daily evidences of His “loving devotion and faithfulness” mentioned in the verse • Rest in His Word above personal feelings, since He has “exalted [His] word above all else” Practical Ways to Bow Down with Words • Speak aloud attributes of God during prayer: “You are faithful…You are merciful…” (Psalm 103:1-5) • Sing Scripture-rich hymns or worship songs that magnify His name rather than emotions • Replace casual references to God with reverent, thoughtful language, honoring His exalted name • Publicly testify to answered prayer, giving Him full credit Practical Ways to Bow Down with Actions • Obey promptly when Scripture or the Spirit convicts, even in small matters (John 14:15) • Serve unnoticed needs in the church or neighborhood, bowing the ego (Mark 10:45) • Give generously and secretly, acknowledging God as owner of all resources (2 Corinthians 9:7-11) • Forgive quickly, modeling the humility Christ showed when He “emptied Himself” (Philippians 2:5-8) Facing Common Obstacles • Fear of appearing emotional: remember David “danced before the LORD with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14) • Distractions at home: designate a consistent, uncluttered spot for daily worship • Physical limitations: bow the heart even if the body cannot bend; a slight nod or uplifted hands can still express surrender • Busy schedules: treat worship appointments with God as immovable meetings Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 95:6 – “Come, let us worship and bow down…” • Philippians 2:10-11 – Every knee will bow to Jesus • Revelation 7:11 – Angels and elders fall on their faces before the throne • Romans 12:1 – Present your bodies as living sacrifices, “spiritual worship” • James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” Start Today Choose one physical posture, one heart adjustment, one spoken declaration, and one concrete act of obedience to practice “bowing down” this week. The God who has exalted His name and His word delights in worship that lowers self and lifts Him high. |