I can summarize why we worship in three basic principles. I precede these principles with the presupposition that we worship first and foremost because we love God. Our expressions of worship are simply an outgrowth of that love.

1. Worship reminds us of God's power.
   Does God need our worship? This may surprise some people, but the answer is no! Worship is not a massaging of God's heavenly ego.
   
   Praise is not a pampering of God's insecurities. Worship is unto God, but for man's benefit.
   
   All my life I have heard people say that God created man for fellowship. The only problem with that concept is that it's not primary in Scripture.
   
   God enjoys fellowship with man, but He made him for rulership (Gen. 1:6-29), to be steward over God's handiwork.
   
   Worship allows man to remain in a position of submission, and thereby enhances his authority.
   
2. Worship opens the door for incredible events in the heavenly realm.
   If God dwells in the praises of His people, then worship is obviously a necessary ingredient for His miracle presence.
   
3. Worship confounds the powers of darkness.
   Recently, I had the privilege of seeing the deliverance and the restoration of a young woman who was an ex-satanist. We met together for several months in securing her freedom. During that time I would ask about the strategies of this demonic organization.
   
   She told me that Halloween marks the beginning of the religious year for the satanic church. It is at this time that the leaders, among many other abominable practices, train followers to invade key churches in America. Their sole intent is to divide and destroy these churches.
   
   Her next bit of information is what really fascinated me since it concerns the principle of praise and worship. "These infiltrators have the most difficulty weaving the destructive web in churches where they speak in tongues and where there is true worship," she said.
   
   "Why?" I asked, and she responded, "Because praying in the Spirit, or true worship, throws the kingdom of darkness into confusion."
   
   I got up out of my office chair and immediately began worshipping and praying in tongues. What a phenomenal revelation if we can just get hold of it.
   
   Source: The Quest For Revival by Ron McIntosh
   Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers