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The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life
Let Every Breath You Take Be an Act of Worship
Worship is more than singing on Sunday morning. While that’s part of it, worship is the essence of what makes us truly human. God sparked this desire within our hearts from the day He first breathed life into Adam and Eve. Since then, every single human who has walked this planet has participated in this God-given ability, and divine quest. While many have squandered their gift, there are those who find the wonder-filled life of communion with God no matter the time or place.
True freedom comes when worship flows through us as naturally as the air we breathe, when the words and actions in our lives resonate with our Creator so deeply that every inhalation is full of meaning. When we understand the holiness of the God who knows the stars by name—and His overwhelming love for each one of us—how can we offer anything less?
In The Air I Breathe , Louie Giglio explains in passionate prose what it means to truly live a life of worship, offering insight and guidance for finding our personal path towards connecting with the God of the Universe.
Worship is more than singing on Sunday morning. While that’s part of it, worship is the essence of what makes us truly human. God sparked this desire within our hearts from the day He first breathed life into Adam and Eve. Since then, every single human who has walked this planet has participated in this God-given ability, and divine quest. While many have squandered their gift, there are those who find the wonder-filled life of communion with God no matter the time or place.
True freedom comes when worship flows through us as naturally as the air we breathe, when the words and actions in our lives resonate with our Creator so deeply that every inhalation is full of meaning. When we understand the holiness of the God who knows the stars by name—and His overwhelming love for each one of us—how can we offer anything less?
In The Air I Breathe , Louie Giglio explains in passionate prose what it means to truly live a life of worship, offering insight and guidance for finding our personal path towards connecting with the God of the Universe.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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1463 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
February 23, 2018
The premise of this book is that everyone is a worshiper. To find out where and what you worship you “simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your loyalty. At the end of that trail you’ll find a throne; and whatever, or whomever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship”.
Louie goes on to say that when you see people at concerts or sporting events, you can see amazing worship. Ironically I was in Philadelphia reading the section of the book as the Eagles just won their slot at the Super Bowl. There was crazy celebration that poured into the streets with honking and screaming and cheering. Ironically, there was true worship going on outside my window. And helicopters were flying over the streets just to regulate the great celebration.
This is a really short book that you can read quickly but you’ll want to savor the big thoughts that Louie presents in this book and really internalize what it means to continually praise God. I found that after reading a few pages of this book in the morning I was more conscious of God throughout the day and finding his beauty in the things around me. Worship isn’t meant for passive participation, but to wholeheartedly engage you into a deeper relationship with the one who created you.
I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. This is a book that I will be keeping and I look forward to re-reading it again to be reminded of the opportunity and benefit of living a life of continual praise.
Louie goes on to say that when you see people at concerts or sporting events, you can see amazing worship. Ironically I was in Philadelphia reading the section of the book as the Eagles just won their slot at the Super Bowl. There was crazy celebration that poured into the streets with honking and screaming and cheering. Ironically, there was true worship going on outside my window. And helicopters were flying over the streets just to regulate the great celebration.
This is a really short book that you can read quickly but you’ll want to savor the big thoughts that Louie presents in this book and really internalize what it means to continually praise God. I found that after reading a few pages of this book in the morning I was more conscious of God throughout the day and finding his beauty in the things around me. Worship isn’t meant for passive participation, but to wholeheartedly engage you into a deeper relationship with the one who created you.
I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my fair and unbiased review. This is a book that I will be keeping and I look forward to re-reading it again to be reminded of the opportunity and benefit of living a life of continual praise.
April 24, 2023
This was a very quick read, but a very valuable and great reminder of what worship should be before God. While I was searching for a bit more sustenance, the simplicity of this can be appreciated.
February 8, 2014
"How do you know where and what you worship? It's easy. You simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your allegiance. At the end of that trail you'll find a throne; and whatever, or whomever, is on that throne is what's of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship.”
A short helpful read on the nature of worship.
A short helpful read on the nature of worship.
August 23, 2018
I thought this was a lot of words that could have been a 500- to 1,000-word blog post. I mean, I like the introspection that Giglio does, and I appreciate him in general, but calling this a "book" seems like a bit of a stretch.
February 23, 2021
Very thankful for the simplicity of this book. To just take a step back and rest in the basics of worship.
April 2, 2024
I love Louie Giglio’s teaching and writing style. I enjoyed many books by him. This wonderful book on worship didn’t disappoint. There is so much depth in this book. I think I highlighted half of the book.
November 21, 2022
this was sooo good! 10/10
worship is central to a Christian's life. this book defined the correct view of worship, how it should impact the life of a believer, and how to adjust your worship and perspective.
Would definitely read again!
worship is central to a Christian's life. this book defined the correct view of worship, how it should impact the life of a believer, and how to adjust your worship and perspective.
Would definitely read again!
March 8, 2025
I would give it a 3.5. It was a fast and easy read but did not provide as much sustenance as I had hoped. It just felt a bit drawn out. The book felt like a few thoughts that could’ve been shared within a few pages or less. It gave great reminders about how we were created by and for God to worship him. We were created with a natural longing to worship, so we should make sure we’re worshipping God rather than making idols out of worldly things. I appreciated the Gospel being shared of course and the encouragement to truly worship God in all facets of our lives, including the how’s (for example, checking your heart and mind while you’re singing worship songs to be directed to God; living out the Christian life and not just singing about it), where’s (for example, we can arrive to church already worshipping God rather than waiting to worship in church, we can worship God by sharing the Gospel at work or in any place we find ourselves), why’s (for example, meditating on God’s character and remembering what Jesus did to save us).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2022
A small but inspirational book. I want worship to be a way of life, not just an occasional experience. May it be like the air I breathe always.
January 18, 2023
If I could give this zero stars I would. What could of been a short essay on worship was long and drawn out, repetitive, and dumbed down to the point of nonsense. Summed up, Jesus loves us to worship, wants us to worship, and worship is all the time. I got more out of David Foster Wallace’s This is Water then I did out of this. Why do so many Christian books feel the need to spoon feed and treat their readers like kindergartners. Blah. Also Giglio totally crapped on a woman for watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and all I gotta say is he needs some windex sprayed in his face for that one.
August 21, 2020
Another solid Louie Giglio book! Contained great reminders to focus your heart and mind on the Lord at all times. It read just like one of his sermons. I wouldn’t say any information was groundbreaking or new, but it was all Gospel-centered and based on truth. I only wish it was longer/more in depth!
September 4, 2020
"Worship is simply about value. The simplest definition I can give is this: Worship is our response to what we value most."
That quote essentially sums up this book. It's about what you dedicate your value, and thus worship, too. It talks about how prioritizing what we worship looks like in your life.
Good, very quick read.
Time to Read: 1:10
That quote essentially sums up this book. It's about what you dedicate your value, and thus worship, too. It talks about how prioritizing what we worship looks like in your life.
Good, very quick read.
Time to Read: 1:10
October 17, 2024
Cool comparison between God and a mountain. From far away, they can seem unscalable or unknowable. But once you get closer, you notice footholds or crevices to help you climb. The character of God has these “footholds” or qualities that we notice and can comprehend about Him. We hold on to these, understand them, and use them to climb closer to God.
“Worship is centering our mind’s attention and heart’s affection on the Lord.”
“Worship is centering our mind’s attention and heart’s affection on the Lord.”
September 16, 2011
I'm not a fan of Louie Giglio's writing style and the layout of the book was just poor. There were some really good quotes in this book and I really liked the questions at the end of the book for discussion (I just wish that I knew they were there when I first started reading it). I would say this is a good simple read about being a worshiper, but if you are looking for a more intellecutal stimulating book on the same subject I would look elsewhere.
April 30, 2013
Loved this book. Such a simple explanation of our life of worship, but so deep in meaning at the same time.
April 11, 2013
Giglio's first book that I read. small package, big content.
March 23, 2018
“Worship is our response, both personal and corporate, to God—for who He is! And what He has done! Expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live.” That is how Louie Giglio describes worship in his book The Air I Breath: Worship as a Way of Life published by Multnomah. Giglio, who is the Pastor of Passion City Church and the Founder of the Passion movement, a movement hoping to impact a generation to live for the fame of Jesus Christ, understands worship. His label that he helped create, Six Step Records, has been a leader in producing some of the best known worship songs of the past decade. I believe this makes Giglio the perfect person to be speaking about worship to us.
This book, which is a short but impactful read, begins with showing us the truth that everyone is truly a worshiper. He says, “You simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your loyalty. At the end of that trail you’ll find a throne; and whatever; or whomever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship.” That is powerful and so true. We don’t have to teach people how to worship. According to the author people are already prewired to do that. The question is what or whom are they worshipping.
The remainder of this short book is an unfolding of the definition that the author presents. I found the book very thoughtful, full of Scripture, and easy to read. As a pastor I will find myself pulling this book down from my shelf whenever I’m in need to think about worship. I certainly recommend it to you.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This book, which is a short but impactful read, begins with showing us the truth that everyone is truly a worshiper. He says, “You simply follow the trail of your time, your affection, your energy, your money, and your loyalty. At the end of that trail you’ll find a throne; and whatever; or whomever, is on that throne is what’s of highest value to you. On that throne is what you worship.” That is powerful and so true. We don’t have to teach people how to worship. According to the author people are already prewired to do that. The question is what or whom are they worshipping.
The remainder of this short book is an unfolding of the definition that the author presents. I found the book very thoughtful, full of Scripture, and easy to read. As a pastor I will find myself pulling this book down from my shelf whenever I’m in need to think about worship. I certainly recommend it to you.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 7, 2018
In “The Air I Breathe”, Louie Giglio seeks to encourage Christians to worship God every day rather than just on Sunday mornings. Worship, after all, is a part of each of us. If we aren’t worshiping God, we are worshiping something else.
“Every day, all day long, everywhere you go, you worship. It’s what you do. It’s who you are.” (p1)
It is eternally important and essential that we choose to worship God. It doesn’t have to be in church. WE can worship God anytime, anywhere. We tend to think of worship as a church-related function only, but worship involves more than just praise and worship songs during a church service.
Giglio writes with wisdom and clarity. He shows how our private, personal worship collides with our corporate worship and brings glory to God. Chapters 10 and 11, “A Personal Path to Worship” and “Moving Beyond me, to Us” are insightful and encouraging. Worship should be the very air we breathe.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books, as part of Waterbrook Multnomah’s Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“Every day, all day long, everywhere you go, you worship. It’s what you do. It’s who you are.” (p1)
It is eternally important and essential that we choose to worship God. It doesn’t have to be in church. WE can worship God anytime, anywhere. We tend to think of worship as a church-related function only, but worship involves more than just praise and worship songs during a church service.
Giglio writes with wisdom and clarity. He shows how our private, personal worship collides with our corporate worship and brings glory to God. Chapters 10 and 11, “A Personal Path to Worship” and “Moving Beyond me, to Us” are insightful and encouraging. Worship should be the very air we breathe.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Blogging for Books, as part of Waterbrook Multnomah’s Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 24, 2018
What do you worship in your life?
We all worship something.
We worship whether we realize it or not because we were created to worship...
The Air I Breathe: Worship As A Way Of Life encourages us to explore the role of worship in our life, including why it matters, how to make worship a way of life, and how to develop a personal path to worship.
The book is easy to read and contains questions at the end that can be used for personal reflection or small group study.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to you!
This excerpt is part of an original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
We all worship something.
We worship whether we realize it or not because we were created to worship...
The Air I Breathe: Worship As A Way Of Life encourages us to explore the role of worship in our life, including why it matters, how to make worship a way of life, and how to develop a personal path to worship.
The book is easy to read and contains questions at the end that can be used for personal reflection or small group study.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to you!
This excerpt is part of an original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
January 27, 2018
Please note that I have received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. This book shows a different way of worship. When you think of worship you may think of worshiping just one God. However, the author brings up lots of different ways that worshiping comes into our lives.
The Air I Breathe would be great for new Christians to read. No matter your age, it would be a good idea to open this book and read it to remind yourself the reason why you started worshiping in the first place. Just like when we read the Bible, God puts reminders for us in those words to help us remember how to worship.
The author is a pastor. Who better to write a book than a pastor. They have the training and study that can bring others the knowledge they learned. I would recommend this book to all age groups. I feel that this book is a great reminder of why we were made to worship and how we can incorporate worship daily in our lives.
The Air I Breathe would be great for new Christians to read. No matter your age, it would be a good idea to open this book and read it to remind yourself the reason why you started worshiping in the first place. Just like when we read the Bible, God puts reminders for us in those words to help us remember how to worship.
The author is a pastor. Who better to write a book than a pastor. They have the training and study that can bring others the knowledge they learned. I would recommend this book to all age groups. I feel that this book is a great reminder of why we were made to worship and how we can incorporate worship daily in our lives.
January 5, 2018
Great book on worship and making it part of your daily life. Clearly defines worship in a way that is easy to understand. Who we should worship, why and how are all answered in this concise little book. It’s easy to follow and understand for the newer Christian and a great reminder for a seasoned Christian. Giglio connects everything with scripture in this book. He brings out how we as humans really are and then brings us around to how we should be; who we should be worshiping - the creator of the universe, the one we were created to worship. Book includes discussion questions for small group or personal further thought/discussion.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review.
October 27, 2020
This has always been one of the most impactful books on Worship to me. There is so much truth contained here that it is hard for me to discuss it without getting too lengthy. I'll just say that anyone who is a Christian should read this book and be encouraged by it because Giglio makes a strong case that we are all worshipping something and so often, it is not our God. We get distracted and miss out on what God wants to say to us and do through us. I find this book overwhelmingly encouraging each time I read it. It's been too long but this is 3rd or 4th reading.
Also it is very short, but enjoyable read. This is the first of Louie Giglio's books and I'd recommend checking out many of his other ones. Goliath Must Fall and I am Not but I know I Am were greatly impactful to me.
Also it is very short, but enjoyable read. This is the first of Louie Giglio's books and I'd recommend checking out many of his other ones. Goliath Must Fall and I am Not but I know I Am were greatly impactful to me.
March 2, 2018
"We're created to worship. That's why you and I are going to spend our lives declaring the worth of something. As a result we've got to make sure the thing we declare to be of greatest value is really worthy in the long run." The Air I Breathe by Louie Giglio (page 21)
This book is a short quick read but makes you think about how you show your love for God. Or even if you are showing it. Every day our love for our creator should be apparent in how we live. It's not a new concept but it's a reminder we all need from time to time.
This book was given to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a short quick read but makes you think about how you show your love for God. Or even if you are showing it. Every day our love for our creator should be apparent in how we live. It's not a new concept but it's a reminder we all need from time to time.
This book was given to me by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2018
In high school and college I had a longing to worship. I wasn't looking for singing lessons as some supposed. I was longing for someone to show me God's bigness. At the time, books on the subject were scarce. Eventually I found and immersed myself in the writings of John Piper. "The Air I Breath" is an excellent summation of Piper's theology of worship. This is a great starting point for anyone hungering for the bigness of God. Don't miss the study questions at the back of the book. Good for small groups.
January 22, 2020
This book gave me a wonderful view of worship outside of the traditional sense. Beyond simply the songs we sing in church, Giglio gives us a beautiful image of worship as the air we breathe. The lives we live, the thoughts we have. We, as human beings, are created fundamentally to worship. I highly recommend this for any believer and especially for young people like myself to gain a new perspective and form a way of life that is centered on the Lord.
June 29, 2022
Louie Gigli never disappoints...
...and I certainly was not disappointed with this book. I like the way he always brings deeper truth down to my level. Understand something, though. This book is not deeply theological, but there were many places where I had to look up, stare into the distance, and say to myself, "I never thought about that before." To me, that's one of the key factors of a really good book.
...and I certainly was not disappointed with this book. I like the way he always brings deeper truth down to my level. Understand something, though. This book is not deeply theological, but there were many places where I had to look up, stare into the distance, and say to myself, "I never thought about that before." To me, that's one of the key factors of a really good book.
February 18, 2018
Wow. The Air I Breathe by Louie Giglio taught me so much about worship. As soon as I finished the last page, I immediately wanted to share it with others. This is a book that shouldn’t collect dust on a book shelf, it’s a book that should be passed around from person to person so that they can understand what worship is.
The book was an easy read with eleven chapters, it kept my attention throughout the entire thing and it was easy to follow the logic and flow of the author, Louie Giglio.
The book dives in from the beginning with the argument and fact that we are all worshipers. We were created to bring pleasure and glory to the God who made us. We were all made to worship. Worship is our response to what we value most.
“It seems we all are eventually captivated by the question of why. Why are we here? Is there a reason for our lives? Is there something we’re uniquely destined to do? It’s the age-old dilemma – what’s the purpose of life? The answer begins and ends with God.”
The book was an easy read with eleven chapters, it kept my attention throughout the entire thing and it was easy to follow the logic and flow of the author, Louie Giglio.
The book dives in from the beginning with the argument and fact that we are all worshipers. We were created to bring pleasure and glory to the God who made us. We were all made to worship. Worship is our response to what we value most.
“It seems we all are eventually captivated by the question of why. Why are we here? Is there a reason for our lives? Is there something we’re uniquely destined to do? It’s the age-old dilemma – what’s the purpose of life? The answer begins and ends with God.”
March 21, 2018
At first i found this book a little boring & slow. He covered all the basics & it was your basic info on why worship is. But after i got past the initial chapters, then the meat of the book started to improve. He brought up some interesting thoughts that really changed my perspective. Overall, I’d recommend it to people. I’d just tell them to not give up in the first few chapters.
March 30, 2018
Really loved this book. short and straight to the point.
points to remember:
1.Worship tells us what we value most. As a result, worship determines our actions, becoming the driving force for all we do.
2.we all have an alter. and every alter has a throne.
3.what ever you worship, you become obsessed with.
points to remember:
1.Worship tells us what we value most. As a result, worship determines our actions, becoming the driving force for all we do.
2.we all have an alter. and every alter has a throne.
3.what ever you worship, you become obsessed with.
May 1, 2018
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway. My husband and I read it together and it provoked good conversation about worship being a way of life. It made us look at it in ways we've never thought about it before and have become more aware of what we devote our time to every day while creating goals on what to do better. It was a good book and I will probably read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews