Have you ever heard the following phrase, "You rarely worship, that's why your career is all over the place?" Maybe it's a casual remark, but a closer look reveals an understanding that we often hold. Often we feel that worship/prayer and spiritual disciplines are a "currency" to God to get all the good things in life and other desired things. In a similar vein, it also appears in our motivation for giving offerings. We give a lot so that God will bless us abundantly. But our worship and prayers go much deeper than that.

The God we worship is always introduced as the creator of all things. He is the king of the universe, the only one we should worship. Our worship, prayers and offerings are not a prerequisite for His power and existence. This is what the psalmist argues against in Psalm 50:1-12. God is not a God who thirsts and hungers for the praise, worship and offerings of His people. It is a mistake and foolishness for His people to think that way (vv.8-9).

The psalmist then reaffirms God's ownership of everything in the universe. The world belongs to Him. If He wants something, He does not need to ask people to offer it to Him (vv. 10-12). God did command the people at that time to offer burnt offerings, but they were not to satisfy Him. In fact, burnt offerings were a sign of covenant that distinguished His people from other nations. It was God's way of teaching them to build a relationship and dependence on Him.

Bible friends, let us build a genuine relationship with God through our prayers and worship to Him. If we worship Him, it is not because we want something from Him. Rather, it is because we want to give thanks for all His love and goodness. God invites us to live in a right relationship with Him. So build that heart attitude in our own religious process.