Let Us Worship God

Let Us Worship God: Why We Worship the Way We Do offers a biblical and theological explanation of corporate worship in the Reformed tradition, guiding readers through the principles and practices that shape the church’s gathered worship on the Lord’s Day.

Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas wrote this book to help both longtime church members and newcomers understand why Reformed congregations worship as they do. Beginning with the doctrine of the local church, the significance of the Christian Sabbath, and the regulative principle of worship, Thomas builds a scriptural framework for understanding each element of the worship service. He then walks readers through the components of corporate worship—including the public reading and preaching of Scripture, the offering, prayer, creeds and confessions, congregational singing, the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and the benediction.

Rather than critiquing other traditions, Thomas takes a constructive approach, providing theological and scriptural support for the liturgical shape of historic Reformed worship. The book grew out of a sermon series preached to his own congregation and is written in an accessible style suited to a broad readership.

Key Themes

• The regulative principle as a biblical framework for ordering corporate worship
• The Lord’s Day as a continuing pattern of rest, worship, and Christian holiness
• The centrality of Scripture in the reading, preaching, and structure of worship
• The sacraments, creeds, prayer, and benediction as God-ordained elements of gathered worship

Featured Quotes

“When we worship together, we join our worship with angels and archangels and the church ‘on the other side.’ Jesus sings alongside us in worship.”

“I often think that when I hear a thousand people recite the Apostles’ Creed in unison on a Sunday morning, it must surely be the most countercultural moment in North America.”