Embrace Creative Worship: Painting, Dancing, Writing, & More!
Here’s to a new perspective on worship!
I’ve spent so much time with a single view of worship, perhaps you can say the same? For many, we associate worship with singing in church, but have you considered the countless other ways to honor and connect with God through your creativity? Here we'll explore just a couple of forms of artistic expression such as painting, dancing, and writing but really the possibilities are endless, whatever creative outlet you enjoy can be used as a powerful tool for worship. So, grab your paintbrush, put on your dancing shoes, or pick up your pen, because it's time we switch up our worship!
Painting & Drawing
Painting and drawing can be a beautiful form of worship that allows you to visually express your love and gratitude to God. Here are a few tips for incorporating painting into your worship:
a. Create A Worship Art Journal: Set aside a dedicated journal where you can freely paint or draw your prayers, favorite scripture verses, or visual representations of your spiritual journey. Bible bullet journaling has become wildly popular and is a great way to blend scripture and creativity into one.
b. Paint Or Draw During Devotional Time: Use painting/drawing as a way to meditate on The Word and connect with God. Choose colors, symbols, or images that reflect your emotions and the imagery scripture invokes in you. I love to draw what images come to mind as I read scripture, did you know there are actually Bibles meant for you to make notes and draw right in the pages? …I have to admit, I’m not that comfortable with that just yet, maybe one day. 😄
c. Paint/Draw For Others: Offer to create personalized artwork for friends, family, or your church community as a way to bless and uplift them. While art can be very personal for some, if you are comfortable, try sharing your art with others, it can be incredibly empowering for you and especially meaningful to others.
For God's gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. ~Romans 11:29
2. Dancing
Dance has a unique ability to express emotions and tell stories. Here are a few ways you can incorporate dance into your worship:
a. Choreograph A Worship Routine: Select a worship song that moves you and create a dance routine that reflects the lyrics and emotions they invoke in you. Dance it out as an offering to God, whether in the privacy of your own space or in a group setting.
b. Join (Or Create) A Dance Ministry: If you're passionate about dance, consider joining a dance ministry at your church or community, where you can worship with others through movement.
c. Dance As An Act Of Surrender: Whenever you feel overwhelmed and need to release your burdens or you’re overflowing with gratitude to God— turn on some worship music and let your body express your surrender to God's love and grace. Without the need to create a routine, allow the freedom of whatever comes up to be an emotional and spiritual release.
Praise his name with dancing, accompanied by tambourine and harp. For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. ~Psalm 149: 3-4
3. Writing
Writing allows you to articulate your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with God in a tangible way. Not only is writing a great way to keep a record of what God is doing and what he has done in your life, but it is also a very healing way to get your emotions out. Consider these ideas for incorporating writing into your worship:
a. Keep A Prayer Journal: Write down your conversations with God, your prayers, and the ways you see Him working in your life. Reflecting on these written words can deepen your connection with Him.
b. Write Poetry Or Songs: Use your gift of words to compose poetry or songs that express your praise, thanksgiving, and awe for God. Share these creations with others or keep them as personal expressions of worship.
c. Start A Blog Or Write A Book: Share your faith journey, reflections, and insights. Your experiences can inspire and encourage others on their own spiritual paths. Writing a book can also be a great gift to friends and family by gifting the record of your legacy.
Then the Lord said to me, “Write my answer plainly on tablets, so that a runner can carry the correct message to others. Habakkuk 2:2
What I love about worship is that it is so individualized, it isn’t confined to a certain location or form– you can do it anyway and anywhere! How God created us all unique, with special gifts, talents, and passions so that we would then be able to use them to show our love back to God is so beautiful. Whether you're painting, dancing, writing, or exploring other artistic outlets, embrace the freedom to worship with your whole being. As you pour your heart and soul into these creative acts, remember that they are not just about the end result but about the process of engaging with God in a deeply personal and meaningful way.
So, let your creativity flourish, and let it become a powerful channel for your worship. God delights in the diverse expressions of His kids, and when you use your creative gifts to honor Him, you'll experience a deeper sense of intimacy and fulfillment in your relationship with the Creator.
Now, get out there and worship with your unique artistic gifts! :D
Xoxo,
Tera