LSC:WORSHIP

Introduction 

In this Unit , you will be equipped with the understanding of worship and how  it is derived from the holy books. This will enable you relate the different forms of  worship to daily life for spiritual, social, physical and emotional wellbeing. It will  also help you to live in peace with himself/herself and others. 

How do people worship God? 

Did you know that worship is an old practice worldwide? For a long time, humans in  all societies have believed there is a Supreme Being. They believe that this Supreme  Being is the creator of all things that exists in the world and beyond. The Supreme  Being is ageless, spiritual and invisible. This Being is God. Humans love and respect  God. They believe that God sees, knows, is everywhere and hears everything humans  engage in. They also believe that God has always been there and lives forever.  Humans, therefore, worship God and they do so in different ways. 

Identifying forms of worship 

Study the  pictures

1. i) Identify the types of worship shown in Figures 1.1 to 1.6. 
2. ii) Mention the common forms of worship in: 

• the home 
• the school 
• the community 

iii) Explain any other forms of worship that are not reflected in Figures  Give your opinion on the values developed in each of the forms of worship. 

In every society, people express their love and respect for God through worship. Some  of these forms of worship are reflected in  Figures 

Different communities express their worship for God differently. It is important to  appreciate worship in different communities. It is also important that an individual  participates in forms of worship that are acceptable in the community.  

During worship, an individual should show maximum respect for God. This can be  expressed through respect for symbols of worship such as the church, the Bible, and  the cross, among others. It is also important to respect the religious leaders that lead  us in congregational worship. This is because they are anointed by God. 

Since they are God’s anointed, the leaders should portray an exemplary life. 

Purpose of worship 

Each time we worship, we receive God’s rewards spiritually, emotionally and  physically. Worship is setting time aside to honour, glorify, thank, praise, and adore  God. In return, God rewards us with success in our day-to-day life activities. 

Activity 1.2: Reading and interpreting the poem  about worship 

Read the poem 

The beauty on the earth 

All created for man 

In God’s image 

God created man 

All the creatures 

In man’s hands He placed 

He deserves the worship 

The lives we have 

The air we breathe

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The creatures that exist 

The plants that grow 

The children born 

All for the good of man 

Glory and honour be to God 

Worship Him for it pleases Him 

It is a command from Him 

It is our response to His love 

He dethrones the enemy 

It prepares us for the life to come 

Worship him in thanksgiving 

Worship him in sincerity 

(Annette Nanfuka) 

1. Why should we worship God? 
2. How should people worship God? 
3. According to the poem, how does God feel when we pray? 
4. In your opinion, how does the poem show God’s response towards worshippers?  5. Give a suitable title to the poem. 
5. Discuss the different benefits of worshipping God as: 

• an individual 
• a family 
• a country 

Do you know that God created man with the sole purpose of worshipping Him? In His  goodness, He created the world and all that is in it. He put man in charge of it. The  only act God asks of man is to worship Him in truth and sincerity. Therefore, people  are encouraged to use the different forms of worship to give God honour.  

The purpose of our worship, therefore, is to glorify, honour, praise, exalt and please  God. Worshipping God provides us with the way to escape sin and have the salvation. 

Studying and interpreting the pictures 

Individuals, families and other communities worship God at different times, in  different places and for different reasons. 

 

The pictures in Figures  illustrate people who have experienced success  and others who have experienced failure in some way. 

1. Identify and explain each kind of success or failure in each picture. 2. Suggest the different forms of worship each people should involve themselves  in. 
2. In your opinion, are poverty, difficult situations, disasters and health problems a  result of not worshipping God? 
3. What do success and failure teach us about the nature of God?

 

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Success and failure are not dependent only on material wealth. There are many  other determinants such as values, morality, good health, skills, creativity, a positive  mental attitude, character, work habits and personal contacts, among others. 

Biblical teaching about worship 

Did you know that the act of worship is biblical? The Old Testament teaches about great  men like Abel, Abraham, Noah, Seth, Isaac, Moses and Samuel etc. who worshipped  God in different ways. The Old and New Testament express different ways in which  worship was conducted. 

God set ways in which man should worship Him. This is found in Jeremiah 10:23. Read  the text and share your ideas with the class. The worship God has set is the only way  man can please Him in this life and finally get everlasting life with Him.  

When people worship God, they develop such traits as forgiveness, tenderness,  justice, righteousness, purity, kindness and love. All of this is preparing us for eternal  life in heaven with God and Christ. Colossians 3:2 for example, tells us: “Set your mind  on things above, and not on things on the earth.” 

Read the following biblical texts and complete the table:  

Table 1.1 

Biblical Texts	Form (S) of Worship	Importance
Daniel 9:3 – 6
1Chronicles 13:8
Psalms 33:1-22
John 4:24
I Thessalonians 5:17
Hebrews 13:15
Psalms 23:1 – 6.
Mark 14:32 – 42
James 5:13 -18

 

Activity of Integration 

Read the situation of integration and perform the task that follows.  

Wilson is a farmer with a large plantation of coffee and a dairy farm. For the last two  years he has been enjoying good harvests. The people around the village have turned 

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his plantation and farm into a model for them to learn from. Suddenly everything went  wrong when the heavy rains set in and hailstorms destroyed the coffee plantation. A  few weeks later, the animals suffered a strange disease caused by bad weather and  died one after the other. Your family made a decision to give support to Wilson. 

 

Instructions 

1. i) Using your knowledge of worship, explain what the farmer’s reaction would be  in relation to belief and trusting in God.  
2. ii) Propose four ways in which Wilson needs to be supported to remain faithful  to God. 

iii) With a specific reference from the Bible, suggest what you can do to help  Wilson.  

1. iv) Write a prayer of worship that Wilson can use in such circumstances. 

Summary

 You have learnt about worship as a time when people pay deep, sincere, awesome  respect, love and fear to the one who created them. You have also learnt about its  purpose and the general biblical teachings about worship. You have explored the  forms of worship, but you will learn more about worship in the topics following.

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Forms of Worship 

Worship through prayer 

What is prayer? Do you pray at home? What about at school? In our families, at school  and in the community, we pray. People pray in the morning, afternoon, evening and  before they go to sleep. They pray before and after meals. They also pray in times of  joy and in times of sorrow. Why people pray is a question to be answered. Young boys  and girls between the ages of 5 and 10 years were asked to give reasons why they  pray. Below are some of the reasons they gave. 

What do you think about their responses? Why do you pray and what is prayer in your  opinion? Some young children may actually not be sure why they pray. They do not  do it because they choose to do so, but due to certain conditions. They may also pray  because of what they have been told. This means that as children are growing, they  need to know the reasons why they pray. 

As children grow and get more information, they acquire new knowledge and develop  attitudes towards prayer. Let us explore the responses of secondary school learners. 

A teacher from Kangole Secondary School asked five learners about the reasons why  people pray.

 

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1. In groups, explain each of these responses.  
2. Give other reasons why people pray. 

What would be your response if you were asked the same question? The responses  show that as children grow older, they understand more about prayer. The reasons  are more spiritual and relevant as compared to the responses from the younger  children. This means that the learners from Kangole Secondary School had matured  in age and spirituality.  

 Prayer in the homes 

Do you pray at home? Let us see what happens in other homes. Christian families  should set aside time for prayer. A family that prays together keeps together. Prayers  may take different forms. The picture shows what some families do. 

 Exploring family devotion 

1. Describe what you think is happening in the picture. 
2. Why do think it is important for families to pray together?

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3. In your opinion, should young children be involved in prayer early in life?  4. Brainstorm some reasons why some families do not pray at all. 5. In groups, share the effects of neglecting prayer in families. 
4. Share the findings with the class.  

Activity 1.6: Discussion and writing about the importance of  prayer 

1. In groups, talk about prayer and its importance.  
2. Individually, write down five importance of prayer at: 

• school 
• home 

3. Share the importance of prayers with the teacher and your classmates. 

You can now appreciate that prayer is a channel of communication through which  people relate with God. It is a dialogue between people and God. Praying is setting  aside time to talk to God. Much as God is invisible, people feel it is good and  important to tell Him what they need. Some of the prayers are recited while others  are personal compositions depending on the need and purpose. Prayers may be  requests, thanksgiving, honouring or even praising God. Can you add to the list of  the nature of prayers? 

Activity 1.7: Studying and interpreting the biblical teachings  about prayer and answering the questions that follow. 

Table 1.2 

s/n	Bible Text	Situation when the  prayer is used	Lessons from the  verse
1	Matthew 6:5 – 15
2	Mark 1:35
3	Mark 14:32 – 42
4	James 5:13 – 18
5	Luke 18:1 – 8
6	1 Kings 8:22 – 53
7	Psalms 23:1 – 6

 

1. From the texts in the table, identify the situations that lead people to pray.

 

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2. What do the messages in the table teach you about prayer? 
3. Describe a situation in your life that led you or your family into serious prayer? 

Prayer is necessary in the lives of individuals. This explains why people in the biblical  times and in traditional African society prayed and continued to pray. 

Jesus and prayer 

Think about Jesus the Son of God. What was His mission on earth? Did He need to  pray? Jesus came to earth to save people from their sins. He guided the people on  how to pray in the correct way. He discouraged people from acting like hypocrites  who stand by the streets to show off to everyone that they are praying. He told the  people to talk to God in private because He knows what each one wants even before  one asks. Jesus the son of God also prayed, but in addition, he taught His apostles  how to pray. This shows that praying is a good practice. 

Activity 1.8: Exploring Jesus’ teaching about prayer 

The passage in Matthew 6: 9 – 13 gives the words that Jesus gave the apostles to use  as they prayed.  

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come, your will be done  on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who  trespass against us and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” 

In pairs or groups, answer the questions below. 

1. Who composed this prayer? 
2. To whom is the prayer addressed? 
3. Why is He referred to as “Our Father”? 
4. What are the people asking for? 
5. ‘Give us this day our daily bread …’ Give your opinion of what you understand by  this statement. Share your opinion with the rest of the members of the class. 
6. What is the importance of asking for forgiveness as stated in the prayer? 7. Give examples of temptations that people fall into? 
7. What does the prayer teach about Jesus and prayer?

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Activity 1.9: Identifying the type of prayer 

Study the picture provided, reflect and answer the questions provided.

Figure 1.15 

1. What form of prayer is shown in the picture? 
2. What is the importance of this form of prayer? 

Activity 1.10: Reading the biblical texts about prayer and giv ing their importance Table 1.3 

Table 1.3 

Biblical Texts

i) Daniel 9:3 – 6

ii) 1Thessolonians 5:17

iii) Mark 14:32 – 42

iv) James 5:13 – 18

 

You have read the texts about prayer. You have also discovered the importance of  prayer in relation to the biblical texts. 

People worship God through prayers. In some cases they do it as individuals. Such  prayers are called private prayers. The picture above shows a young person praying  privately. There are many reasons why people pray on their own. Below are some  benefits of private prayers. Read the statements, discuss each of them and write an  explanation, including an example for each of them. 

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Activity 1.11: Reading, discussing and writing 

• Reflecting further on the goodness of God 
• Confessing and asking for forgiveness 
• Thanking God for His goodness 
• Making specific requests  
• Creating an intimate relationship with God 
• Having a personal encounter with God 

Think of any other benefits of private prayers and write them in your exercise books. 

Did you know that Jesus, the Son of God, also prayed privately? Matthew 14:23, tells  us: “After he dismissed them, he went up the mountainside by himself to pray. When  evening came, he was there alone.” 

Activity 1.12: Discovering the importance of private prayer 

1. Why do you think Jesus took time to pray alone? 
2. In pairs, use the Bible to locate more verses in the Gospels where Jesus prayed  alone. 
3. Share them with the rest of the class. 

It is evident in Mark 14:32 – 42 that Jesus prayed alone in the garden of Gethsemane.  Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.  

 

 

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32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here  while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be  greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful,  even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the  ground and prayed that, if it were possible the hour might pass from him. 36 And he  said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not  what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to  Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that  you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”  39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came  and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what  to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping  and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into  the hands of sinners. 42 Rise let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” 

Questions: 

Respond to the following questions about the passage. 

1. Why did Jesus pray alone? 
2. Jesus seemed troubled. Write down the statements that show it. 3. Why do you think Jesus was troubled? 
3. Why was Jesus concerned when He found His disciples asleep instead of  praying? 
4. According to the passage, write one benefit of praying alone. 6. In your opinion, why is it important to pray alone? 

Congregational Prayers 

 

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The picture above represents congregational prayers. Have you ever been part of  such prayers? What are the special features? How different are they from private  prayers? These prayers involve three or more worshippers. This may be at family,  fellowship, prayer group or church level. People get together and pray as a group. In  some cases they have common needs, so they make their prayers achieve a common  need. Sometime people have time to quietly pray for individual needs during the  congregational prayers. All churches worldwide hold congregational prayers at  least once a week. Jesus Christ also used to conduct congregational prayers when  he taught disciples the Lord’s Prayer. The apostles also conducted congregational  prayers in believers’ homes, prisons and synagogues. Many people got baptised and  converted to Christianity.  

There are many reasons why people pray together. Can you write them down and  share them with your teacher?  

The benefits of congregational prayers are given. Read and discuss each statement.  Now write an explanation and example for each of them. 

 Making a choice, reading, discussing and writing 

 

Demonstrating how congregational prayers strengthen friendship among the  youths in our churches  

1. Working in groups, let the learners discuss how congregational prayers are  performed. 
2. Let them share experiences on some of the following congregational prayers: 

• Sunday service/Mass Fellowship 
• Requiem Mass/funeral prayer/prayer for the dead 
• Thanksgiving

 

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3. Work in groups to identify the characteristics of congregational prayers. 4. Compare congregational prayers to private prayers. 
4. Think of other reasons why congregational prayers are important. Share  them with the class. 

It is advisable for Christians to pray both as a group and privately. The passage  below is found in James 5: 13 – 18. It calls for people to participate in both forms of  prayer.  

Reading and interpreting the prayer of faith 

“13 Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. 14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray  over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, 15and the prayer of faith will  heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will  be forgiven. 16Confess your offences to one another, and pray for one another, that  you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.  17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not  rain, and it didn’t rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18He prayed again,  and the sky gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.” 

1. What forms of worship are mentioned in the Bible text?  
2. How is each form of prayer useful according to the text? 
3. What do you learn from the passage about the usefulness of prayer and worship  in general? 
4. Give the importance of prayer in times of difficulty. 
5. Write down the statements which indicate that the passage is about prayer of  faith.  

Hindrances to prayer  

Do you know that there are reasons that stop prayers from reaching God? Whenever  people pray, they expect to get answers from God. When the positive answers take  time to come, people are frustarted and sometimes get angry with God. Some even  turn away from Him. St James wrote that we fail to get what we pray for because we  pray with wrong motives (James 4:3).

 

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 Reading, discussing and writing about the hin drances to prayer 

1. Read James 4:3 and find out what makes prayers ineffective? 2. Describe situations which can make people turn away from prayer. 3. Give five situations that may distract one from prayer. 

Did you know that quite often people only pray when they are in trouble? As long as  they have enough to drink, eat, wear, pay fees, build houses and buy necessities etc.,  they do not see any need for God. 

Discovering the benefits of prayer 

1. Discuss and write five ways through which a person with faith can benefit from  prayer. 
2. Read the Book of Acts and note down the moments when the apostles of Jesus  involved themselves in prayer. 
3. In groups or pairs, compose the following prayers: 

• School prayer 
• Prayer of thanksgiving 
• Prayer seeking God’s help in times of difficulty 
• Prayer seeking forgiveness 

Worship through charity 

Have you heard about charity? Do you know what it means? It has several meanings,  but we shall focus on one in the context of worship. Charity is another form of  worship. God created human beings in His image. He created them to worship Him.  The worship can be in the form of acts of charity. Before a detailed discussion of  charity, work through Activity 1.17.

 

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Exploring the messages in the bubbles 

The messages below provide people’s views about charity.  

In groups, read the messages below and answer the questions that follow: 1. In pairs, think and share ideas about each of the above messages. 2. Write down what you have come up with as the meaning of charity. 3. How is charity a form of worship? 

4. Share and summarise in your notebooks the importance of charity as a form of  worship.  

Forms of charity 

Charity is not all about giving to those in need. It may take many other forms. Look at  the picture below. 

 Discovering the forms of charity 

Study the pictures carefully and answer the questions below:

 

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Questions  

1. Describe what is happening in the picture. 
2. How do you think the old man feels? 
3. As Christians, what lessons can you learn from this incident? 

Think about the forms of charity in your context. What comes to your mind? Did  you know that acts of voluntarism towards individuals or even communities can be  classified as charity? One may choose to help clean the church without expecting any  form of payment. One may also go and help an old man or woman with housework.  Visiting the sick or prisoners can be an act of charity that demonstrates worshipping  God.  

What about in the time of Jesus? Did He perform any acts of charity? Jesus performed  acts of charity. Many of them were miracles to those who witnessed them. He healed  the sick, helped the blind see, enabled the lame walk, and even gave back life to those  who had passed away. He did all this for those in need, but never asked for payment  or even sought recognition. 

Project work 

1. Look for a charitable organisation; for example, an orphanage, or a home for the  poor or the elderly. Or research a charitable organisation on the Internet.

 

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2. Read about or observe the activities in that organisation. 
3. Describe the needs of the beneficiaries of that organisation. 
4. Mention the efforts made to satisfy those needs.  
5. Write a report on the findings about the organisation, including the good  practices. 
6. As a Christian, what help can you offer to such an organisation? 

Reflection 

 Did you know that when a Christian performs an act of charity it benefits both the  Christian and the recipient? While the act touches the recipient’s life, the Christian  gets inner satisfaction and happiness because he/she has made an impact on  another individual or the community. In Christianity, a person who does charity  work receives blessings and grace (2 Corinthians 9:6 – 10). 

 Exploring charity in the Old Testament in I Kings  17: 9 – 24 

1. Describe the situation in Zarephath at the time.  
2. Outline the acts of love of the widow and of Elijah. 
3. Describe what Christian leaders should do for the needy.  

Using the biblical texts below, research the work of charity found in them: •  Isaiah 58:7 and  

• Proverbs 19:17.  

Charity is an act of love. It should not be done only to the people we know, but  also to strangers. The Bible story in the Gospels clearly indicates it. Respond to the  instructions provided in Activity 1.20. 

Activity 1.21: Reading and identifying the acts of love and  charity in the biblical passage 

A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers.  They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead.  

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he  passed by on the other side. A Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed  by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and 

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when he saw him, he took pity on him.  

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the  man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.  

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after  him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may  have.’  

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands  of robbers?”  

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and  do likewise.” 

Christians, therefore, are encouraged to do acts of charity as a way of praising God  but also to touch the lives of the less fortunate. Acts of charity attract more people to  Christianity. The Bible is clear on how acts of charity should be performed. 

Activity 1.22: Reading and writing  

Read the Bible passage below from the Gospel according to Matthew 6:1 – 4 and in  your words explain how charitable act should be done. 

1”Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If  you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2”So when you give to the  needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on  the streets, to be honoured by men. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward  in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right  hand is doing, 4So that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is  done in secret, will reward you.” 

In the modern world, people are encouraged to use the example in the Gospel  according to Matthew in the way they give. One should avoid making a public display  that one takes care of the needy because that does not please God. 

Read the Gospel according to Mark and identify acts of charity therein. 

Project work  

1. Research Mother Theresa of Calcutta. 
2. Identify the work of charity performed during her life. 
3. Write a report on the findings about Mother Theresa of Calcutta.

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Worship through singing 

Do you enjoy singing? Do you sing often? On what occasions do you sing? In daily life,  everyone sings once in a while. One may sing for joy or even during times of sorrow.  It is an enjoyable act. God the Creator also enjoys listening to His people as they sing  songs of praise. In the church, there are written hymns which worshippers sing.  

Singing, therefore, is an act of worship. It expresses the worshippers’ inner feelings.  It gives joy to the worshipper and sends nice melodies to the Creator. Songs are  sometimes accompanied by musical instruments. This makes it more joyful and  interesting.  

Activity 1.23: Studying, discussing and writing 

Look at the picture. With your partner or in a group, answer the questions that follow. Figure 1.19 

1. Describe the mood of the singers. 
2. What is the importance of this form of worship? 

Worshipping through singing is biblical. There are cases of prominent people in the  Bible who worshipped God through singing.

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Read the Bible about how the Israelites of the time worshipped God joyfully. Activity 1.24: Reading the Bible  

2 Sam 6:1 – 23 and 1 Chronicles 13:8 

King David worshipped God through singing and dancing when returning the Ark of  God (I Chronicles 13: 8ff and 2Samuel 6:1 – 23). 

“And David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, with songs  and lyres and harps and tambourines and cymbals and trumpets.” 

1. In pairs, write the activities taking place at the time of returning the covenant  box. 
2. Why did King David celebrate in this way?  
3. Draw a picture of King David dancing before the Ark. 

Activity 1.25: Reading the Bible  

In groups, read Psalm 47:1 – 9 below and discuss the questions provided:  

1Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2For the Lord Most High  is awesome, the great King over all the earth. 3He subdued nations under us, peoples  under our feet. 4He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. 5God  has ascended amid shouts of joy, The Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. 6Sing praises  to God, sing praises, sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7For God is the King of all the  earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. 8God reigns over the nations. 9 The nobles of the  nation assemble; God is seated on his holy throne. As the people of the God of Abraham,  for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted. 

Questions  

1. Who was the author of Psalm 47? 
2. Describe the form of worship that dominates the others in this text. 3. Apart from singing, identify the other forms of worship in the Psalm. 4. Identify God’s other name used in this Psalm.  
3. Using the message from the Psalm, what are the reasons for worshipping  God?

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Activity 1.26: Reading the Bible 

Reading, reflecting and writing   

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his  presence with singing! 3Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are  his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4Enter his gates with thanksgiving,  and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5For the Lord is good; his  steadfast love endures forever and his faithfulness to all generations.  

Activity 1.27: Reading and relating Psalm 100 to modern Chris tian worship 

1. Discuss how the words in Psalm 100 form part of Catholic, Protestant and  Pentecostal church songs of praise. 
2. Can you identify the particular songs with words from this Psalm in your particular  Christian denomination? 
3. Compose a personal song of praise and glorification of God. 

Offertory 

Start this topic by taking the learners through the activities below to familiarise them  with the text. The values to focus on are generosity and faithfulness. Ask the learner to 

1. i) think of two songs sung in their church. 
2. ii) write the titles of the songs. 

iii) point out the statements that encourage giving. 

1. iv) share the statements with the class. 

Wrap up the activity by showing the learners the importance of giving back to God.

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Fig.1.20 

1. Describe what you think is happening in the picture. 
2. Why do think it is happening? 
3. What are the proceeds in your church used for? 

Worship through offertory 

You have learnt about singing as a form of worshipping God. You also found out how  interesting it is to worship through singing. Let us now learn about giving as another  form of worship. This is a form of worship whereby a worshipper gives back to God  from his/her earnings. This can be through tithe, a general offering, thanksgiving,  contribution to church projects and many others. In modern times, offerings are in  most cases in the form of money. In the rural setting, food items are sometimes given  as offerings. 

During the time of offertory, songs are sung. Many of them encourage the worshipers  to give back to God.

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Activity 1.28: Reflecting on offertory songs sung in church 

In the Old Testament, it was a common form of worshipping God. In the story of Cain  and Abel, the offerings are mentioned in the Book of Genesis 4:1ff. 

 “… Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3 In the course of time Cain  brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4And Abel also  brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The  Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering …” 

This means that this form of worship is biblical.  

The extract in the table below reflects the offertory giving by Christians in a city  church. Study it and answer the questions that follow. 

Activity 1.29: Studying the extract Table 1.4 

Table 1.4 

NTINDA EVANGILICAL MISSION CHURCH  Sunday Collections  3rd February 2019
Offerings	4,000,000/=
Sunday school collection	1,000,000/=
Tithe	10,000,000/=
Thanksgiving	5,000,000/=
Building	20,000,000/=
Wedding	500,000/=
Charity collection	1,000,000/=

 

1. Describe what you see in the extract. 
2. What constitutes the offertory of that church?  
3. Why do you think the people give generously?  
4. What is the total amount realised that Sunday? 
5. Propose what such offerings can be used for. 
6. What can be done to make all churches self-sustaining in terms of resources?

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Offertory is biblical right from the Old Testament. This was a common practice. 

Activity 1.30: Exploring the importance of offertory in the Bi ble 

Exodus 35:5 and Hebrews 13:15 – 16.  

With a partner or in a group, discuss and answer the questions that follow: 

Exodus 35:5: “Take from among you a contribution to the Lord. Whoever is of a generous  heart let him bring the Lord’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze …” 

Questions on Exodus 35:5 

1. Who is the writer referring to?  
2. What form of worship is represented in the verse? 
3. Why should people give to God? 
4. What lessons do modern Christians gain from offertory?  

Hebrews 13:15 – 16: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a  sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. 16And do not  forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”  

Questions on Hebrews 13:15 – 16 

1. What advice does the writer of Hebrews give to his readers in terms of giving  back to God? 
2. What pleases God according to the writer of the passage? 
3. With examples, give ways through which Christians give to God in modern  society. 

Worship through fasting 

You learnt about giving offertory as a form of worship. You also need to learn about  fasting as a form of worship. 

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Activity 1.31: Discovering the meaning of fasting  

  

1. In groups, write down the meaning of fasting. 
2. Brainstorm the different ways of fasting. 
3. Summarise your findings and share with the class and your teacher. 

In modern times, Christians fast according to their beliefs and denominations. The  Catholics and Protestants take the Lenten season seriously and fast. The Pentecostals  also have a unique way of fasting. All this is meant to worship God in a special way.  

Fasting is biblical and willed by God. Isaiah 58 explains fasting as a form of worship.  Activity 1. 32: Exploring the teaching about fasting in the Bible  

1. How did the Israelites fast? 
2. Give three reasons why God was unhappy with their ways of fasting. 

 “Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with  fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” 

This shows one of the ways in which people should worship God. 

Fasting was a common form of worship among the apostles, as portrayed in the  biblical texts. 

Acts 14:23 “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with  prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” 

Acts 13:2 – 3, While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set  apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. So after they  had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. 

Luke 2:37 alludes to fasting. A widow called Anna, 84 years old, never left the temple  but always worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. Jesus the son of God in  Matthew chapter 4 fasted for forty days and forty nights.

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Activity 1.33: Reading and acting 

1. Read Mathew 6:16 – 18.  
2. In pairs, write a skit about fasting based on the passage. 
3. Present it to the class. 
4. What lessons can Christians learn from this passage? 
5. Fasting is meant to be a private affair. This is because it is meant for God and  not for the public. 

Activity 1:34 Reading from Mathew Chapter 4:1 – 11 

1. Fill in the table with the “dos” and “don’ts” of proper fasting. 2. How should fasting be conducted according to Mathew 6:16 – 18? 3. What are the benefits of fasting according to Mathew 6:16 – 18? 4. In your opinion, is fasting a good religious practice? Give reasons. 

Fasting 

Table 1.5 

Dos	Don’ts
i	i
ii	ii
iii	iii
iv	iv
v	v
vi	vi
vii	vii

 

Christians recognise fasting as a way of getting closer to God. They fast for different  reasons. Many Christians believe that fasting creates a new desire for God. People  who fast are likely to hear God’s voice during that time. Through fasting one  develops a relationship with God and gets new satisfaction. 

Fasting takes different forms depending on the Christian denomination. In general 

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terms, an individual abstains from food for a specified amount of time for spiritual  reasons. A Christian may also humbly deny something of the flesh to glorify God,  improve the spirit, and go deeper in his/her prayer life. Even unplugging television  for a period of time can be an effective form of fasting.  

Activity1.35: Making a summary 

1. Summarise your own understanding of fasting. 
2. Describe the type of fasting practised by your Christian denomination. 3. Write down any other forms of fasting you can think of. 
3. Apart from the spiritual benefits, write down health and social benefits of  fasting. 

Worship through Bible reading and meditation  

Activity 1.36 

Look at the pictures below and answer the questions after. 

Figure 1.21
	Figure 1.22

 

1. Describe what is happening in the pictures. 
2. In your opinion, what benefits do the people in the two pictures gain?  

Christian meditation is the process of deliberately focusing on specific thoughts and  reflecting on their meaning in the context of the love of God. Christian meditation  aims at improving the personal relationship based on the love of God that marks 

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Christian communion.  

Christian meditation is sometimes taken to mean the middle level in a broad three stage characterisation of prayer. It then involves more reflection than first-level  vocal prayer, but is more structured than the multiple layers of contemplation in Christianity.  

Through reading the word, people learn more about God and His promises. People  also learn more about themselves as children of God. 

The act of reading and meditating on the word of God is true worship of God. Activity 1.37: Essay writing  

1. Make a dramatic reading of the passion narratives of Jesus as presented in either  Mark, Luke or Matthew. 
2. Write an essay showing the importance of meditation to an individual worshipper  and society. 

Reading and meditating the word of God is very important to Christians. 

Activity 1.38: Discovering the benefits of the Bible reading and  meditation 

Read the Bible and identify scriptures, then match them with the statements.  

Consider Job, Hosea and Hannah’s experiencesas narrated in the following  Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:1 – 28; Ecclesiastes 3:1 – 8; Matthew 5:1 

1. i) The Scriptures guide our steps. 
2. ii) God’s Word directs us to wisdom. 

iii) It lifts burdens. 

1. iv) The Word of God brings joy. 
2. v) The Scriptures give peace.

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1. vi) The Word of God awakens and strengthens faith. 

vii) Through hearing the Word, God supplies the Holy Spirit. 

viii)The Word of God creates and sustains life. 

1. ix) The Word of God gives hope. 

Why worship is important 

Activity 1.39: Read the poem and answer the questions below it. 

POEM 

In honour and glory we praise 

God the most High we raise. 

Worthily in Him we worship 

To seek His guardianship 

For He holds our destiny. 

It pleases Him to be worshipped; 

Good triats we develop in worship; 

Spiritual gifts are fruits of worship; 

Praise, glory and honour be to God. 

Annette Nanfuka 

Questions  

1. Write a suitable title for the poem. 
2. Identify reasons for worship.  
3. What are the benefits of worship according to the poem?

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The Bible and worship 

Did you know that worship is biblical? Read the text to discover. According to the  Book of Genesis, God created the universe and all that is in it. Human beings, too were  created by God. God created them for a purpose and that is why they should worship  Him. Worship, therefore, is the primary reason behind all creation. 

God is supreme and above all creation. But He is not a creature. When human beings  get involved in worship they realise God’s presence. This is especially true when their  prayers are answered.  

Throughout the Old Testament the element of worshipping God is emphasised. It was  a prescribed ritual that the Jews and later the Israelites engaged in. Also noted was  that Jesus went as a little boy to worship with his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. 

Through worship, a person receives divine guidance. This is reflected in Jeremiah  10:23. It is noted that the way of man is not in man to direct his own steps. This means  that human beings need guidance which is the the reason for them to worship God. 

Worship is an act of reverence to God. People worship God because they respect Him  as their creator and provider. 

 Worship, therefore, is the time people pay deep and sincere respect and love to the  Creator.  

King David of Israel worshipped God. He worshipped God through songs of praise. He  wrote his songs of praise. They are found in the Book of Psalms. One of them is Psalm  23:1 – 6. It shows why King David worshipped the Lord. 

Activity 1.40 Reading and writing  

1. Read Psalm 23:1 – 6.  
2. Point out the reasons why King David worshipped the Lord as indicated in the  Psalm. 
3. Share your findings with the rest of the class. 

“1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want; 2he makes me lie down in pastures green. He  leads me beside still waters. 3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness  for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk in the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for you  comfort me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 

5You prepare a table in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup  overflows. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall  dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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Questions  

1. Why does the writer worship God? 
2. What lessons are derived from Psalm 23? 

Activity: 1.41 Reading the dialogue  

The dialogue below explains the importance of worship. It also deals with the day-to day lifestyle of young people. Read it and answer the questions that follow. 

Male: Tina! Did you forget that we were supposed to go and attend Mukasa’s party  yesterday? 

Tina: I could not make it because I had to attend church with my parents. Male: Do you realise that you missed a lot of fun? Mukasa and his classmates  attended, but left very late in the night. 

Tina: By the way, there was a lot of fun at the church, too. There was a visiting youth  group from Kira Church of Uganda which led the praise and worship. It was fantastic.  We sang, danced and had lots of fun.  

Male: Danced! In church? That is news to me. 

Tina: Of course! It was educative, too. They acted a short play about the dangers of  HIV/AIDS. Then a youthful reverend preached at the end. 

Male: I did not know that all that can happen at a place of worship. Tina, from what  you have told me, I will start going to church and live a more meaningful life. 

Questions 

1. Why do think Male never took time to go to church? 
2. What is so interesting about the church Tina went to? 
3. Why did Tina like the church experience? 
4. What can be done to attract more young people to places of worship? 
5. If you were a religious leader, what would you do to make your church more  appealing to the youth to actively participate in worship?  
6. As a young Christian student, what lessons do you learn from the dialogue?

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Activity: 1. 42: Reading and discussing 

1. Using the following biblical texts, summarise the different ways of worship  among Christians today: Matthew 6: 9 – 15; Acts 4: 23 – 31; Psalms 33: 1 – 5.  
2. Compare the early church worship with ways of worship today.  

Jesus died and rose from the dead. His apostles continued to worship as Jesus  had taught them. How they prayed and what they did are recorded in the Acts.

 

Activity 1.43 Reading, discussing and answering 

Read the biblical texts provided and answer the questions after. 

Acts: 1:4 – 6, 1:7 – 9. 

1. How did the people who lived with Jesus worship? 
2. Did they receive some special insight from our Lord?  
3. How can we use the example of their worship to make ours better? Activity: 1.44: Reading, discussing and answering  

Psalm 51 

1. What does the writer ask God for? 
2. What are the benefits of prayer according to Psalm 51? 
3. What lessons do modern Christians learn from this scripture? 

Activity 1:45: Reading, discussing and answering  

Psalm 130 

1. i) Explain the message in the psalm. 
2. ii) Summarise the major components of prayer as indicated in Psalm 130.

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Activity of Integration 

Makolo is a Christian and lives in the remote village of Kisota. He loves people and  God. He loves praying, too. However, the nearest church is about 10 kilometers from  his home. He does not have the means to go there every Sunday. He is illiterate and  cannot read or write. He is poor and does not have much to give to those in need  or to offer to the church where he prays whenever he can. Makolo also suffers from  stomach ulcers which makes it difficult for him to fast.  

Lamba, the catechist in the area, is interested in his way of life and wants to help him. Support 

Fig 1.23 

Modern worship practices  

Today’s worship is undergoing unique changes. There is worship on the Internet,  radio, television and computers. There is use of modern instruments such as public  address systems, projectors and flash disks, among others. 

Worship also takes many forms, such as dancing in praise and worship, discos where  the young dance for Jesus, fellowships, cell meetings, street preaching and speaking  in tongues. Church leaders organise Christian album launches, church walks and runs. 

Activity 1.46: In pairs 

1. Brainstorm the famous radio and television practices related to worship. 2. Describe how such worship is carried out.

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3. What are the benefits of such worship? 
4. Point out some of the problems or limitations of such worship. 

Observation  Night worship is common in almost all Christian denominations.

 

Fig 1.24 

Activity 1.47: Working in pairs 

1. Why is night worship becoming popular today? 
2. Mention some churches/centres that conduct night worship. 3. How does night worship benefit an individual? 
3. With examples, list the problems associated with night prayers.

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Activity 1.48: Reading Acts 2:43 – 47 

“Life among the believers43  

Many miracles and wonders were being done through the apostles and everyone was  filled with awe. All the believers continued together in close fellowship and shared  their belongings with one another. 45They would sell their property and possessions,  and distribute the money among all, according to what each one needed. 46Day after  day they met as a group in the Temple, and they had their meals together in their  homes, eating with glad and humble hearts, 47 praising God, and enjoying the good  will of all the people. And every day, the Lord added to their group those who were  being saved. 

1. Share ideas about worship in the early church. 
2. What role did money play in the lives of the early Christians? 3. How does money facilitate today’s worship? 
3. In what ways is today’s worship expensive? 
4. Share ideas about the conduct of today’s worship. 
5. Share ideas about the “money motive” in today’s worship. 

Religious leaders in a Christian church  

Figure 1.25

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Activity 1.49: Studying the pictures of the church leaders 

1. Can you identify who belongs to which church? 
2. In pairs, discuss the characteristics of each of the church leaders. 3. Do you agree that some church leaders today mislead Christians? 

Today, different Christian churches have different church leaders with different titles.  Originally, in the Christian church, one had to go through an official training course  followed by ordination to become a church leader. In modern times, there are church  leaders who claim to have received instructions directly from God to become church  leaders. These may include pastors, self-styled bishops, prophets, apostles and  disciples, depending on what they want to call themselves. 

Activity 1.50: Reflecting on the following 

1. Identify and mention the different church leaders today such as the prophets,  bishops, apostles, disciples and others. 
2. In pairs, discuss how these church leaders conduct Christian worship in their  different churches. 
3. In pairs, locate the biblical teachings about false preachers. 
4. Compare the leaders of worship in the early church with those of today. 5. Brainstorm the characteristics of false preachers today. 
5. Role-play the practices of both false and true Christian preachers in modern  churches. 

Activity of Integration 

Ziporah is a retired civil servant who went back to her ancestral home in Kyagaaju  where she enjoys relative peace and quiet. She has been a member of the Church of  Uganda since she was baptised in 1958. The mode of worship was basically praying  and singing the hymns accompanied by a powerful musical organ. In her youthful  days she was a member of the choir.  

Currently in Kyagaaju, the nearest church to her is a Pentecostal church. The mode  of worship is different. The old hymns are not sung in that church. Instead the  whorshippers sing loudly, dance and clap, which Ziporah finds strange and disturbing.  The leader is a pastor and not a reverend. 

 

LEARNER’S TEXTBOOK 

Milkah, a fellow elderly lady in the village, is a member of that church and she would  wish Ziporah to be a member of the church. 

 

Instructions 

1. i) Using your knowledge of worship, explain ways in which Ziporah can  remain a faithful and church-going Christian. 
2. ii) Propose five ways in which Ziporah needs to be supported to remain  faithful to God. 

iii) With specific references from the Bible, write down what you can do to  help Ziporah. 

1. iv) Write a prayer of worship that Zipporah can use in such circumstances.  v) Write the role Milkah can play to help Ziporah. 

The learner will be considered to have passed if s/he attains 2/3 of the total marks  available. 

Worship in African heritage  

In African traditional societies, Africans had religious beliefs and practices. There were 

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forms of worship and prayer that showed devotion to the African gods or divinities.  There were special people called intermediaries who mediated between the gods  and the people, and each of the gods had a name and responsibility. For example,  there was a divinity responsible for rain, for harvest, for diseases, for children, among  others. If, for example, people wanted rain, they would go to the medium responsible  for rain who prayed to the god of rain to let the heavens open. These mediums used  traditional shrines, religious symbols and objects to communicate to their gods. Figure 1.27 

 Working in pairs: 

1. Identify and name the objects you see in the pictures. 
2. Describe the use of the objects you see in the pictures. 
3. Compare the roles of religious leaders in African traditional societies with th Carrying out research 

1. Using the Internet and library, carry out research about the traditional African  forms of worship. 
2. Mention who conducted worship in traditional African societies. 3. What forms of sacrifice did Africans make?

 

LEARNER’S TEXTBOOK 

4. Talk about the false religious leaders in African traditional societies. 5. Role-play the practices of African traditional leaders.