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                Author: Greg Tharpe
 It was
                   Sunday morning and the church was filled to capacity. Everyone was dressed and ready to praise
                   and worship God. The band was jamming and the choir was rocking as they sang high energy songs
                   that brought the people out of their seats and moving to the music. The preacher was very
                   charismatic and entertaining as he kept the congregation exhilarated and feeling good throughout
                   his sermon. 
                  "But
                   the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father in spirit and in
                   truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him, God is a spirit: and they that worship him
                   must worship him in spirit and in truth." [
                   
                John 4:23-24]  There
                   are two types of praise and worship: There is religious (literal) praise and worship and there
                   is spiritual praise and worship. Religious praise and worship is an outward act of showing
                   reverence to God. It is the most popular and what each religion regards as the correct way to
                   worship God, which is mostly done in churches through some type of religious service on
                   Sunday.   Although the different religions and
                     denominations oftentimes praise and worship differently, some cultures and religions do it in
                     a more festive, exuberant and entertaining way than others, using music, song, dance, rituals,
                     dress, costumes, verbal shouting or chants. While others are more subdued and humble, some
                     even use reptiles and animals such as snakes and chickens, in their praise and worship
                     services.
 Many
                   religious followers believe that unless one proclaims to be a member of a church and attend
                   religious services, they are not doing what is required for praising and worshipping God.
                   However, just because a person does not attend a church, does not necessarily mean that person
                   does not have a close relationship with God; that person may be closer to God than the person
                   who claims to be a follower of a religion. He or she may choose to worship spiritually and not
                   by way of organized religion.   When
                   we view praise and worship solely from a religious or literal perspective, it is a choice that
                   we made based on the ego or fear. Little do we know it separates us from God and the intimate
                   relationship necessary to experience the unrestricted love, joy, peace and happiness that we
                   truly desire.    Spiritual
                   praise and worship is not an outward act to be seen by man, nor does it require spoken words. It
                   is an act that occurs in one’s heart where one quietly communes with God telepathically via a
                   meditative state. It is a personal relationship and does not require the approval of a religion.
                   It can quietly be done at any time without anyone knowing except you and God.   The
                   spiritual church or temple is within you; therefore, it is not made of wood and nails or brick
                   and mortar. It never closes and is always open, twenty-four hours a day seven days a week for
                   praise and worship. The spiritually awake souls attend it consciously throughout the day each
                   and every day, not just on Sunday for worship service.  When
                   you accept this spiritual perspective as truth, it raises your vibrations or consciousness,
                   gives you clarity and brings you closer to God or joy.  
                    
                        
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 Author Greg Tharpe offers multiple avenues to achieve Spiritual
                   Enlightenment and Life Wisdom including Online Seminars, Personalized Coaching, Live Events and
                   Keynote Speaking. |