A Heart of Worship: Thanksgiving, Praise & Worship

Reflecting on Psalm 100:4

This week, I’ve been reflecting on a powerful scripture that many of us know by heart, but one that continues to deepen in meaning the more we meditate on it. Psalm 100:4 says: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name.”

At first glance, it might seem like a simple exhortation to be thankful and praise God—but when we look a little closer, we see a divine pattern, a progression of approach into the very presence of God.

In the Old Testament, access to God’s presence was limited. The temple was divided into sections: the outer courts, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. Only priests could enter the Holy Place, and only the high priest—once a year—could enter the Holy of Holies, where the very presence of God dwelled. It was sacred. It was separated. But everything changed at the cross.

When Jesus gave His life, the veil of the temple—the thick curtain that separated the Holy of Holies—was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). That wasn’t just symbolic. It was a heavenly declaration: access granted. Now, through Christ, we are invited to enter boldly into the presence of God—not as distant worshipers, but as children. And yet, even with this open access, there’s still a pattern we see in Scripture for drawing near: thanksgiving → praise → worship.

Thanksgiving is the starting place—it sets the tone by reminding us of God’s goodness in our lives. It's our response to what He has done. Praise is more about who He is—His greatness, His holiness, His unchanging nature. And worship goes even deeper. It’s intimate, often quiet, and reverent. Worship is not about what God has done or even about His attributes—it’s a complete surrender, a heart bowed low before Him.

I’ve noticed this pattern not just in scripture, but in the atmosphere of our gatherings. Song services that begin with songs of thanksgiving, then move into high praise, and finally into moments of deep worship, often create space for a profound encounter with the Lord. It’s not about following a formula—it’s about preparing our hearts to meet with Him.

Psalm 100 is more than a call to worship—it’s a roadmap. And it’s a reminder that our worship is a journey, one that begins with gratitude and leads us to the very heart of God.