It is a verb that is used to mean to prostrate oneself, to do homage, to worship.
Overall, this word means do homage by prostration. "Prostrate" means to lay flat on the ground, in humility, submission, or adoration.
So our second worship word is associated with laying down flat on the ground as a sign of respect and worship.
Interestingly enough, this word is just used a dozen times in the Old Testament, and every time is in the book of Daniel.
The first time it is used, the king is worshipping Daniel. The 2nd-11th times it is used, it is tied to the idol that Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah refused to worship. (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego if we were to call them by their Babylonian names which praise Babylonian gods).
The last time it is used, the king gave glory to God for delivering them from the king's punishment that they may only serve and worship their own God.
In churches today, we don't often prostrate ourselves before God. Yet, we are to be humble before God. We are to submit to Him. We are to adore Him.
Challenge of the Week: Prostrate yourself before God this week in humility, submission, and adoration.
Humble yourself as you ask the Spirit to reveal ways your pride is tainting your witness. Ask the Spirit to show the things, people, and identities you are proud of, so you may walk in humility instead.
Submit yourself to God. Ask the Spirit to convict you of areas of disobedience to God. What commands are you ignoring or spiritualizing to the point that they have "no teeth" or cost to you? Where are your culture's attitudes and actions taking precedence over the Bible?
Adore God. Take some time to reflect on God's character or attributes. Consider how holy He is and how much higher His ways are than ours. Ponder His actions and praise Him for what He has done. Regard God with the utmost esteem, love, respect, and honor. Tell Him why you like and admire Him.
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