Worship in the Night
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Worship in the night is a theme found throughout the Bible, reflecting the practice of seeking God during the quiet and solitude of nighttime. This practice is often associated with deep devotion, reflection, and a yearning for God's presence and guidance. The night, a time of stillness and introspection, provides a unique backdrop for worship and communion with God.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, worship in the night is exemplified by the psalmists and other figures who sought God during these hours. Psalm 63:6-7 states, "When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night. For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings." Here, the psalmist expresses a deep longing for God, meditating on His presence and finding comfort in His protection during the night.

Another significant reference is found in Psalm 119:62 , where the psalmist declares, "At midnight I rise to give You thanks for Your righteous judgments." This verse highlights the practice of rising at midnight to offer praise and thanksgiving to God, acknowledging His justice and righteousness.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks of seeking God at night. In Isaiah 26:9 , it is written, "My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit within me seeks You at dawn." This verse underscores the continuous desire for God's presence, both at night and in the early morning.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, worship in the night is seen in the practices of early Christians. Acts 16:25 recounts the account of Paul and Silas, who, while imprisoned, "were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them." Despite their circumstances, they chose to worship God during the night, demonstrating faith and resilience.

Jesus Himself is depicted as engaging in prayer during the night. In Luke 6:12 , it is recorded, "In those days, Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God." This example from Jesus' life illustrates the importance of nighttime prayer and communion with the Father.

Theological Significance

Worship in the night holds theological significance as it represents a time of personal encounter with God, free from the distractions of daily life. It is a time when believers can express their deepest emotions, seek guidance, and find solace in God's presence. The night, often associated with darkness and uncertainty, becomes a sacred time for light and revelation through worship.

The practice of worshiping in the night also reflects a commitment to spiritual discipline and vigilance. It is a testament to the believer's dedication to maintaining a relationship with God, regardless of the time or circumstances. This practice encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness even in the darkest hours.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, worship in the night can take various forms, including prayer, meditation, singing hymns, or reading Scripture. It offers an opportunity to draw near to God, reflect on His attributes, and seek His will. Engaging in worship during the night can strengthen one's faith, provide peace, and foster a deeper understanding of God's character and purposes.

In summary, worship in the night is a profound biblical theme that invites believers to seek God with sincerity and devotion during the quiet hours. It is a practice that has been embraced by faithful individuals throughout biblical history and continues to hold relevance for Christians today.
Nave's Topical Index
Isaiah 30:29
You shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a pipe to come into the mountain of the LORD, to the mighty One of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 16:25
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God: and the prisoners heard them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Secret Walk with God (I. ).
... In such acts of worship, morning and night, thought for others, for dear ones, for
parishioners, for colleagues, will have its full place of course. ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter i the secret walk.htm

"Behold the Man. "
... Clad in robes of living light': He who gave you all your glories,. Him you worship
day and night,. Made his tent in human nature. That in Him should man confide ...
//christianbookshelf.org/morris/favourite welsh hymns/ii behold the man.htm

Lessons for Worship and for Work
... Our forefathers Sunday began on Saturday night, and partly for that reason the
hallowing ... What likelihood is there that much good will come of worship to people ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/lessons for worship and for.htm

And by the Spirit the Father is Called Most High and Almighty and ...
... Law, that they might learn that they had for Lord the maker and creator, who also
gives the breath of life, and whom we ought to worship day and night: and to ...
/.../irenaeus/the demonstration of the apostolic preaching/chapter 8 and by the.htm

The Wrath-Denouncing Angel.
... angels and in the presence of the Lamb: and the smoke of their torment ascendeth
for ever and ever: and they have no rest day or night, who worship the wild ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the wrath-denouncing angel.htm

Of the Question Why the Heathen Should Refuse to Worship the God ...
... Why not in preference to the Moon, who presides over the night only, or who also
shines pre-eminent ... But this Deity prohibits the worship of all those deities. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxix of the question why.htm

A Song in the Night
... HYMNS A SONG IN THE NIGHT. ... I sing to Thee. I join the song of love, and I adore.
With those who worship Thee for evermore. Thou art the Sun of every eye,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/a song in the night.htm

Morning Prayer Before Public Worship.
... II. Before Public Worship. 7,8,7,8,8,8. ... Lie in deepest darkness shrouded,. Till
Thy Spirit breaks our night. With the beams of truth unclouded; ...
/.../morning prayer before public worship.htm

Reverence in Worship.
... because there the Cherubim and Seraphim "rest not day and night," saying, "Holy,
holy, holy ... around the Throne, to use one and the same form of worship; they are ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

Prayer and Devotion
... There is nothing cold, nothing dull, nothing wearisome about them or their
heavenly worship. "They rest not day nor night." What zeal! ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iii prayer and devotion.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about the position of worship leader? | GotQuestions.org

Regulative vs. normative principle of worship'which viewpoint is correct? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of Christian worship? | GotQuestions.org

Worship: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Worship

Worship in Private Homes

Worship in the Night

Worship of Abraham

Worship of Angels, Forbidden

Worship of God

Worship of Jacob

Worship of Job

Worship of the Philippian Jailer

Worship of the Wicked Rejected

Worship Service

Worship: "Iniquity of the Holy Things"

Worship: Acceptable to God

Worship: Commanded

Worship: David's Ordinances For

Worship: Family

Worship: God's Presence In

Worship: Jesus Prays all Night Long

Worship: Loved by his People

Worship: On Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal

Worship: Postures in Bowing

Worship: Prostration

Worship: Public, in the Temple

Worship: The Whole Nation Required to Assemble For, Including Men, Women, Children, Servants

Worship: The Word of God Read in Public Assemblies

Worship: To be Rendered Only to God

Worship: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Related Terms

Worship (332 Occurrences)

Sun-worship

Idol-worship (2 Occurrences)

Image-worship (1 Occurrence)

Bacchus

Chemosh (8 Occurrences)

Sunworship

Adoration

Moloch (2 Occurrences)

Place (9195 Occurrences)

Molech (16 Occurrences)

Bent (107 Occurrences)

Devotion (17 Occurrences)

Dulcimer (3 Occurrences)

Musick (10 Occurrences)

Pipes (9 Occurrences)

Psaltery (17 Occurrences)

Bagpipe (4 Occurrences)

Chaldees (13 Occurrences)

Cornet (8 Occurrences)

Sackbut (4 Occurrences)

Sun (1708 Occurrences)

Sambuca (4 Occurrences)

Blazing (27 Occurrences)

Astarte (2 Occurrences)

Prostrate (25 Occurrences)

Communion (8 Occurrences)

Pipe (13 Occurrences)

Baal (94 Occurrences)

Ashtoreth (3 Occurrences)

Bethshemesh (19 Occurrences)

Beth-shemesh (19 Occurrences)

Homage (51 Occurrences)

Kiss (39 Occurrences)

Rudiments (5 Occurrences)

Decently (2 Occurrences)

Meshach (15 Occurrences)

Piety (21 Occurrences)

Brother-servant (2 Occurrences)

Chapel (1 Occurrence)

Adore (1 Occurrence)

Pictured (26 Occurrences)

Splendour (32 Occurrences)

Sex (51 Occurrences)

Attitudes (1 Occurrence)

Praise (487 Occurrences)

Astoreth

Bondservant (34 Occurrences)

Devils (48 Occurrences)

Render (95 Occurrences)

Calf (39 Occurrences)

Service (317 Occurrences)

Purposes (67 Occurrences)

Abed-nego (14 Occurrences)

Ahab (85 Occurrences)

Serve (407 Occurrences)

Rules (160 Occurrences)

Snow (25 Occurrences)

Magi (4 Occurrences)

Priesthood (30 Occurrences)

Demons (54 Occurrences)

Shadrach (14 Occurrences)

Moon (70 Occurrences)

Beauty (98 Occurrences)

Colossians (1 Occurrence)

Astrology

Stephen (13 Occurrences)

Powers (43 Occurrences)

Rehoboam (42 Occurrences)

Splendor (87 Occurrences)

Eunuch (20 Occurrences)

Court (172 Occurrences)

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)

Sorts (65 Occurrences)

Connection (72 Occurrences)

Ephesus (20 Occurrences)

Subapostolic

Sub-apostolic

Worship in the Midst of Trials
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