Intimate Worship

I know several people who are motivated to exercise when they are surrounded by others who are doing the same. I am just not one of these people. I exercise daily, but I dislike going to a gym. I prefer to exercise by myself or with a friend.

I don’t like crowds, large gatherings, parties, weddings, funerals, airports, or big cities, either.

I find that even the most wonderful experiences are ruined when there are too many people milling around. Even the most beautiful sunsets, beaches, mountains—all become less appealing to me when there is a crowd around.

Maybe this is why I don’t like going to church. I like churches…when they are empty of people. I find churches to be full of noisy people—socializing, performing, and people watching. I go to church almost every Sunday, mainly just out of habit. I find it difficult to engage in corporate worship.

I prefer intimate worship—being alone with God stimulates my devotion and reverence for Him. I am able to sense God’s presence when I am alone, but rarely in a crowd.

A tree swaying gently with the breeze, a cardinal chirping, the pink sky at dawn, silence—these things stir my soul and draw my attention to the transcendent God. I find myself tuning in, listening, redirecting, and realigning to the transmundane. I am deeply grateful for these private, personal times with God which enrich and expand my soul.