"Worship is a way of seeing the world in the light of God"

To worship is to cultivate a heightened awareness rooted in reverence, not merely through specific rituals, but as a state of perceiving the world. Abraham Joshua Heschel’s words point to worship as an orientation of the soul, attuning the heart and mind to the divine presence that permeates existence. Worship, then, is not confined to temples or synagogues; it is about encountering life with the sensitivity and depth that comes from the awareness of God.

Seeing the world “in the light of God” calls for a transformative vision that goes beyond the surface. It implies regarding creation, our experiences, and each other through the lens of sacredness and wonder. Light in this context suggests illumination, clarity, and understanding, but also warmth and the capacity to reveal hidden beauty. To see the world in such light is to perceive the sacred interconnection of all things, to discern meaning, value, and purpose even in the ordinary.

Heschel’s insight uproots a static definition of religious practice. Instead of segmenting life into the sacred and the secular, genuine worship energizes all acts, experiences, and relationships with awe and gratitude. Every moment, whether in nature, with other people, or in solitude, is a potential site for encountering God. Consequently, worship becomes not escapism but deeper engagement with reality. It nurtures an ethical response, urging compassion, respect, and responsibility toward the world, since everything glows with divine significance.

To live in Heschel's spirit is to embrace an ever-renewing attentiveness. It is an invitation to pause, reflect, and let awe infuse ordinary moments. Worship as a way of seeing empowers us to transcend indifference, to celebrate beauty, to grieve with hope, and ultimately, to live in the presence of the sacred, here and now.