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Worship: The Reason We Were Created-Collected Insights from A. W. Tozer
The best of A. W. Tozer, on one of his favorite subjects Few subjects invigorated A. W. Tozer like the topic of worship. He saw it—like the church has traditionally—as the sole reason for which creation exists. The Reason We Were Created features collections from the beloved spiritual writer on this important topic. The church's current worship is emaciated; its thoughts of God are too low. Here is a compilation to raise those thoughts high once more, and provoke the church to true, spiritual worship. Topics If it's true that we are made to worship God, that it is the sole reason that we exist, that we are most alive when we live for His glory, then reading Worship is more than time well spent. It is time invested in the very foundation of your life.
144 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2017
281 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Tozer
664 books2,101 followersAiden Wilson Tozer was an American evangelical pastor, speaker, writer, and editor. After coming to Christ at the age of seventeen, Tozer found his way into the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination where he served for over forty years. In 1950, he was appointed by the denomination's General Council to be the editor of "The Alliance Witness" (now "Alliance Life").
Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.
A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.
Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.
A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
February 25, 2018
I got a LOT out of this book, and I definitely would recommend it. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because it was so jam-packed with deep, thought provoking points, that it felt overwhelming at times. I had a hard time getting through it for that reason, even though it’s only 134 pages. Still, so glad I read it!
September 11, 2024
Tozer is so pointed and convicting in his description of what worship is called to be. He shares that Jesus died on the cross to make "worshipers out of rebels", a not so easy feat, but as we become more like Christ, our hearts align more with his. It is evident Tozer cares - he longs for the day when the church is realigned to what it is called to be. 4.5⭐
May 20, 2025
I really enjoyed the way Tozer broke worship down into what it truly is and why we should be doing it. I was expecting something about music and mindset, but I got a lot more than that. Rather it was more about who God is and why we should be worshiping Him all the time. Great book.
March 16, 2025
Excellent
Good grounding on what worship is and the importance it holds in the lives of believers. I know I'm not where I should be and I know I didn't understand all of this... But it is a good reminder to focus on Christ and worshipping HIM. That's the important part.
Good grounding on what worship is and the importance it holds in the lives of believers. I know I'm not where I should be and I know I didn't understand all of this... But it is a good reminder to focus on Christ and worshipping HIM. That's the important part.
January 25, 2023
As expected with Tozer: straight fire
December 2, 2025
In the words of Billie Eilish, “What was I made for?”
This is one of the best books on the Christian faith I have read in a long time. Tozer points out the many problematic teachings taught throughout many churches as he shares the true purpose of our lives and how this should change the way we view God.
This is one of the best books on the Christian faith I have read in a long time. Tozer points out the many problematic teachings taught throughout many churches as he shares the true purpose of our lives and how this should change the way we view God.
April 18, 2025
I'm never not going to give Tozer 5 stars. Read this & be transformed.
June 12, 2025
4 ⭐️
I really enjoyed this book overall. He provided some great insight into the heart of worship, and shined light on how the modern church has strayed from holding a high enough view/priority of worship.
I agreed with a good portion of what he shared in this work, and I felt like it inspired me to have a higher view of worship and prioritize it throughout my day to day.
Content:
•There were 2 instances I can remember with use of mild profanity (may not have been in the context of profanity/others may disagree that those words are profanity, but I always like to err on the side of caution for reviews for those who are more sensitive/concerned on this area)
I really enjoyed this book overall. He provided some great insight into the heart of worship, and shined light on how the modern church has strayed from holding a high enough view/priority of worship.
I agreed with a good portion of what he shared in this work, and I felt like it inspired me to have a higher view of worship and prioritize it throughout my day to day.
Content:
•There were 2 instances I can remember with use of mild profanity (may not have been in the context of profanity/others may disagree that those words are profanity, but I always like to err on the side of caution for reviews for those who are more sensitive/concerned on this area)
June 6, 2024
4.37 stars.
“We please Him most, not by frantically trying to make ourselves good, but by throwing ourselves into His arms with all our imperfections, and believing that He understands everything and loves us still.”
“There are very few unqualified things in our lives, but I believe that the reverential fear of God mixed with love and fascination and astonishment and admiration and devotion is the most enjoyable state and the most purifying emotion the human soul can know.”
November 5, 2020
Like many good books, it contains timeless wisdom and cause for reflection and evaluation. I would recommend to most any evangelical Christian to read it. Nice, readable, independent sections each reflecting on the nature of Gospel driven and God centered worship in all of life. Would recommend.
October 25, 2017
Worship, compiled by Moody Publishers, is a collection of insights by A.W. Tozer that reflect on the struggle we all face with authentic worship.
Key themes in Worship include:
• The true purpose of the believer (to glorify and worship God)
• How worship is easily made about us
• Common fallacies of modern worship practices
• God’s idea of worship
Simply a compilation of works by Tozer relating to worship, this book features short chapters. Each chapter can stand alone as a reflection on the topic.
If you’ve read Tozer before, you can expect his characteristic, straight-shooting tone and unique observations. For those who haven’t read Tozer’s work before, this short book would likely be a kind introduction.
Some observations Tozer shares include:
“Perhaps we should confess that in many ‘good churches,’ we let the women do the praying and the men do the voting.”
“Because we are not truly worshippers, we spend a lot of time…just spinning our wheels, burning the gasoline, making a noise but not getting anywhere.”
“The presence of God in our midst- bringing a sense of godly fear and reverence- is largely missing today.”
Thought-provoking quotes include:
“Some mistake the music of religion as true worship because music elevates the mind…so it’s possible to fall into a happy and elevated state of mind with a vague notion about God and imagine we’re worshipping God when we’re doing nothing of the sort.”
“We are saved to worship God.”
“Science is great, philosophy is greater, theology is greater still, and worship is greatest of all. For worship goes back of where science can go, back of where human thought can penetrate, back of all the wordings of theology, and back to the reality.”
At the heart of his thoughts on Worship, it seems A.W. Tozer’s primary concern is that believers leave behind the notion of worship being something we “do” and embrace worship as “why we are.”
Worship is not something just for giving, but for living.
For anyone who is sometimes startled that their worship easily devolves into serenading loves instead of revering Love Himself, Worship is a convicting and praise-inspiring read.
Key themes in Worship include:
• The true purpose of the believer (to glorify and worship God)
• How worship is easily made about us
• Common fallacies of modern worship practices
• God’s idea of worship
Simply a compilation of works by Tozer relating to worship, this book features short chapters. Each chapter can stand alone as a reflection on the topic.
If you’ve read Tozer before, you can expect his characteristic, straight-shooting tone and unique observations. For those who haven’t read Tozer’s work before, this short book would likely be a kind introduction.
Some observations Tozer shares include:
“Perhaps we should confess that in many ‘good churches,’ we let the women do the praying and the men do the voting.”
“Because we are not truly worshippers, we spend a lot of time…just spinning our wheels, burning the gasoline, making a noise but not getting anywhere.”
“The presence of God in our midst- bringing a sense of godly fear and reverence- is largely missing today.”
Thought-provoking quotes include:
“Some mistake the music of religion as true worship because music elevates the mind…so it’s possible to fall into a happy and elevated state of mind with a vague notion about God and imagine we’re worshipping God when we’re doing nothing of the sort.”
“We are saved to worship God.”
“Science is great, philosophy is greater, theology is greater still, and worship is greatest of all. For worship goes back of where science can go, back of where human thought can penetrate, back of all the wordings of theology, and back to the reality.”
At the heart of his thoughts on Worship, it seems A.W. Tozer’s primary concern is that believers leave behind the notion of worship being something we “do” and embrace worship as “why we are.”
Worship is not something just for giving, but for living.
For anyone who is sometimes startled that their worship easily devolves into serenading loves instead of revering Love Himself, Worship is a convicting and praise-inspiring read.
May 5, 2018
I have read a few Tozer books and they have all been powerful and full of Scriptural truths. This one is no exception. There were so many powerful truths and thought-provoking considerations. Tozer spares no words for the lethargy of the modern church, but gets down to the point very quickly and without apology. There are so many things that we are lacking in our attitude and focus on God. Things that people in Bible times had down—an awe and reverence of God for Who He is. An applied salvation—not just a salvation that “keeps me from life-threatening habits.” This book has a ton to ponder.
Toward the middle, there was a section where he got Calvinistic in his approach (such as, “Our goal is to be holy, not necessarily to evangelize.”—and I’m paraphrasing because I listened to this as an audiobook and can’t flip back pages to quote exactly). That was surprising to me, because I hadn’t really caught a Calvinistic tone in his writings before. I’m not a Calvinist because I believe that some of the TULIP is contrary to God’s Word (but this isn’t a doctrinal debate; just a review—if you’re Calvinist, you may appreciate every aspect of this book). I could understand the point of view from which Tozer was coming, and cannot say that what he said was completely wrong, but I do think that, if it is taken to the extreme, it could lead a Christian in error.
Besides that small section that put me on edge, this book was well worth the read and full of good material.
Toward the middle, there was a section where he got Calvinistic in his approach (such as, “Our goal is to be holy, not necessarily to evangelize.”—and I’m paraphrasing because I listened to this as an audiobook and can’t flip back pages to quote exactly). That was surprising to me, because I hadn’t really caught a Calvinistic tone in his writings before. I’m not a Calvinist because I believe that some of the TULIP is contrary to God’s Word (but this isn’t a doctrinal debate; just a review—if you’re Calvinist, you may appreciate every aspect of this book). I could understand the point of view from which Tozer was coming, and cannot say that what he said was completely wrong, but I do think that, if it is taken to the extreme, it could lead a Christian in error.
Besides that small section that put me on edge, this book was well worth the read and full of good material.
August 7, 2024
📚 Worship by A.W. Tozer
“We will be making a mistake if we just stand back and say, ‘But if we give ourselves to worship, no one will do anything.’ On the contrary, if we give ourselves to God’s call to worship, everyone will do more than he or she is doing now. Only, what he or she does will have significance and meaning to it. It will have the quality of eternity in it—it will be gold, silver, and precious stones, not wood, hay, and stubble.” 💎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An encouraging book about the reason we were created - worship. Lots of wisdom throughout! This is compilation of Tozer’s sermons and writings so it does read conversational at times and more formal at other times. Overall a good book that leads to rich discussions if you read with friends!! 💜
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #whatimreading #bookreview #bookish #reading #readersofinstagram #bookishlove #bookishlife #booklove #booklover #bookworm #bookcommunity #kyleesreads #worship #awtozer #tozer #christiannonfiction #theology #christianliving
“We will be making a mistake if we just stand back and say, ‘But if we give ourselves to worship, no one will do anything.’ On the contrary, if we give ourselves to God’s call to worship, everyone will do more than he or she is doing now. Only, what he or she does will have significance and meaning to it. It will have the quality of eternity in it—it will be gold, silver, and precious stones, not wood, hay, and stubble.” 💎
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An encouraging book about the reason we were created - worship. Lots of wisdom throughout! This is compilation of Tozer’s sermons and writings so it does read conversational at times and more formal at other times. Overall a good book that leads to rich discussions if you read with friends!! 💜
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #whatimreading #bookreview #bookish #reading #readersofinstagram #bookishlove #bookishlife #booklove #booklover #bookworm #bookcommunity #kyleesreads #worship #awtozer #tozer #christiannonfiction #theology #christianliving
February 27, 2022
I am always amazed at how timely Tozer's writings are, and this book is no different in this 11 chapter compilation on the subject of worship, including some never before published material.
Tozer's passionate plea for the Christians to return to pure God centered worship shines with zeal and cutting conviction. Just as relevant today as when it was written over 50 years ago. A powerful read, Tozer takes a closer look at the reason for which we were created, our attitudes and how we can get back to a Christ centered worship.
Tozer is concise, firm and cutting he doesn't pull back punches. He is well spoken and with excellent illustrations to get his points across. Truly a standout among Tozer's writings, a must read for Christians. Convicting and encouraging read that emphasizes the major role that worship should play in our walk with Christ.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Tozer's passionate plea for the Christians to return to pure God centered worship shines with zeal and cutting conviction. Just as relevant today as when it was written over 50 years ago. A powerful read, Tozer takes a closer look at the reason for which we were created, our attitudes and how we can get back to a Christ centered worship.
Tozer is concise, firm and cutting he doesn't pull back punches. He is well spoken and with excellent illustrations to get his points across. Truly a standout among Tozer's writings, a must read for Christians. Convicting and encouraging read that emphasizes the major role that worship should play in our walk with Christ.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 28, 2022
When you read Tozer, you know to expect excellence. This collection was no different - it's as compelling as it was convincing. I especially loved the more poetic and personal tone found in the final two chapters of this book. The discussion of current affairs and cultural norms in the 50s when these were written are still relevant today as we live in the resulting world.
"I could have wept to see how kindly Mother Nature had gone to work. Where four or five years before it was just an ugly hole from that strip mine, now the sun and the rain and the wind and the waves I've seen fall many times on that hillside in Philadelphia, had begun to bring out the blossoms that I didn't know were there. And now Nature is covering up her wounds, her scars, her ugliness.
God made the world beautiful, and if you go out and make it ugly, God, in five years, will make it beautiful again."
"I could have wept to see how kindly Mother Nature had gone to work. Where four or five years before it was just an ugly hole from that strip mine, now the sun and the rain and the wind and the waves I've seen fall many times on that hillside in Philadelphia, had begun to bring out the blossoms that I didn't know were there. And now Nature is covering up her wounds, her scars, her ugliness.
God made the world beautiful, and if you go out and make it ugly, God, in five years, will make it beautiful again."
November 5, 2019
This book is a collection of 11 writings or sermons by the author. The chapters do not build on each other but were done at a separate times, so there was a lot of repetition. Much of each chapter was spent critiquing Christians for not focusing on worship or valuing it. He'd then talk about why we should value worship, but only a little time was spent on what worship is and how to do more of it. While much of this book does remain relevant today, it was originally written over 50 years ago and sometimes shows its age. I was disappointed that this book did not focus more on worship and God rather than on critiquing and condemning people.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.
January 5, 2019
Fantastic book! Definitely written in a different era so it reads like CS Lewis book rather than the modern day authors i read. But i love his depth! I would say he gives some very theological reasonings for worshipping God in the spirit & truth & he ends on more practical levels like how we need to have feelings to worship God & how it needs to be genuine every day. My favorite quote: no worship is wholly pleasing to God until there is nothing in me that is displeasing to God. This is definitely a book i will read again because there’s just so much you can soak up.
June 28, 2021
A little late to Tozer’s work. But he pulls no punches in this compilation. “It is a delusion to think that because we suddenly feel expansive and poetic in the presence of the storm or stars or space that we spiritual. I need only remind you that drunkards, tyrants and criminals can have these sublime feelings too. Let us not imagine they constitute worship.”
Ouch!
And a reminder that is is my whole surrendered life that constitutes worship, not a few fleeting sublime moments in corporate worship on a Sunday morning.
Ouch!
And a reminder that is is my whole surrendered life that constitutes worship, not a few fleeting sublime moments in corporate worship on a Sunday morning.
December 9, 2019
How can you go wrong with A.W. Tozer. He knows how to turn a phrase that gets to the heart of the matter. And when you take a lot of his teachings together on a specific subject for which he is passionate, you get a gem for sure! A short book filled with impactful reminders for why, how and in what spirit we ought to worship, this work is both a challenge and a correction as appropriate.
March 1, 2020
“But this I know: when the Holy Spirit of God comes among us with His anointing, we become a worshipping people”. Amen! When the Holy Spirit is truly in us we grasp the importance of worshipping God with all of our being.
This book has trinitarian belief all throughout it but once that is discarded you have a powerful book on why it truly means to worship Jesus!
This book has trinitarian belief all throughout it but once that is discarded you have a powerful book on why it truly means to worship Jesus!
August 22, 2023
Loved this book, and am so grateful for the author. More and more throughout the book he distinguishes between the “lower section” of Christian belief in us regularly needing things and asking things from God to the “higher section” of Christianity where we simply worship God for who He is. Loved his voice and his perspective, it wasn’t stuffy or un-relatable, but practical in the best sense.
April 8, 2024
What a great, thought provoking book. A.W. Tozer brings an immense amount of scripture and views that will encourage you to realign your thoughts on worship. There are some that seem very lawful and some that are very near to the heart of the Lord. The ending to this book was very different then the rest of the book. It seemed misplaced. I would read again down the line.
May 31, 2019
Excellent.
"That we might feel in our hearts and express in our own way that humbling but nevertheless delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overwhelming love-- in the presence of that ancient mystery, that unspeakable majesty, that Ancient of days."
"That we might feel in our hearts and express in our own way that humbling but nevertheless delightful sense of admiring awe and astonished wonder and overwhelming love-- in the presence of that ancient mystery, that unspeakable majesty, that Ancient of days."
February 17, 2020
After studying Psalm 95, I realized I didn't worship like the Bible describes worship. I went to a master and mentor. I have much to learn and this was only the start. I chose to read it quickly and get a foundation. I may read his other book on worship to add to that knowledge.
August 23, 2021
Foundational for the life of a worshipper.
I love that Tozer was not musical in any way, yet he understood worship better than almost anyone. It's not about talent or experience or even preparation, it's about worshipping in spirit and in truth.
I love that Tozer was not musical in any way, yet he understood worship better than almost anyone. It's not about talent or experience or even preparation, it's about worshipping in spirit and in truth.
April 22, 2022
Tozer’s prophetic words from the middle of the 20th century are an eerie wake-up call for the church today. Christians and churches who are negligent to worshiping God with proper motivation and passion are infecting the larger Church to our detriment.
December 5, 2022
A lot of that which passes for “worship” in modern day Christianity aren’t what the bible would actually consider worship. Tozer takes a deep dive into the topic of “worship” and clarifies what Christian worship means & looks like according to the bible.
May 4, 2023
Pastors ought to read Aw Tozer and Eugene Peterson. These men have much to say about how the church is done in recent times. Allow yourself to be convicted and encouraged. You don't have to do it how you've always done it. Let's honor God first and his Bride second.
January 2, 2024
This is an amazing and insightful book that dives into the true meaning of worship and what it should look like, both inside the church and in every aspect of our daily lives, and most importantly, He who should be at the center of it: Christ.
May 25, 2024
Another great book of collected insights. Love this series, easiest way to read Tozer. Not exactly straight forward in regards to how Christian's should worship or are called to worship. I appreciate the slight nuances he touches upon and the different (not mainstream) angles he addresses worship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews