The Worship Lab

03 | Postures of Worship: Why We Engage Our Bodies in Praise

Rockharbor Church Episode 3

What’s really going on when we lift our hands in worship? Why do we kneel, shout, or even sing beyond the song? Is this emotionalism, or is it formation?

In this episode of The Worship Lab, Luke Hellebronth, Anna Hellebronth, and Glenn Packiam open up a deep and practical conversation about postures of worship—not as performance, but as spiritual practice. Grounded in Scripture and rooted in the presence of God, we explore the seven Hebrew words for praise and what they reveal about how worship involves our whole selves: body, mind, and spirit.

Here’s a look at those seven words and what they invite us into: 

  • Yadah – To extend the hand, to praise, to give thanks.
    Used to express praise and thanksgiving.
  • Shabach – To shout, to address in a loud tone, to command.
    Implies a loud and joyful declaration of praise.
  • Towdah – An extension of the hand, thanksgiving, a sacrifice of praise.
    Represents a heartfelt expression of gratitude and praise, often for something not yet received.
  • Tehillah – A song of praise, a hymn.
    Refers to a spontaneous song or hymn of praise.
  • Barak – To kneel, to bless, to salute.
    Implies a humble and reverent act of adoration.
  • Zamar – To make music, to celebrate in song or music.
    Relates to musical expression in praise and worship.
  • Halal – To boast, to rave, to shine, to celebrate.
    Implies an exuberant and joyful expression of praise.

This isn’t about hype. It’s about honesty, unity, and formation. Whether you're expressive or contemplative, there's an invitation here to lean into a fuller response to God—authentic, biblical, and embodied.

Worship is more than sound. It's surrender

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 🎙 Hosted by Luke & Anna Hellebronth and Glenn Packiam
 📍 Rockharbor Church · Costa Mesa, CA
 💬 We’d love to hear—what’s a moment in worship that’s stayed with you?