Hi people on earth, Iโm Grace Ann and you can call me 
Every Friday evening has always been special to me. While most people are getting ready to rest after a long week of school or work, I prepare myself to attend our church service. As a woman of God, I find joy in seeking His presence and spending my night worshiping Him instead of resting at home. Every Friday, our church holds what we call a sacrificial worship service. It is called that because our worship usually ends around midnight or even one in the morning, turning our Friday into Saturday while we are still praising and praying. Some people might think it is tiring, but for me, it is one of the most refreshing experiences. Instead of resting my body, I rest my soul in His presence, and that kind of rest can never be replaced by sleep.
The reason we call it sacrificial worship is that it truly requires a form of sacrifice. Friday nights are supposed to be moments of relaxation, a time to rest and enjoy, yet we choose to offer that time to God. While others are already in bed, we are still in church, singing and lifting our hands, pouring out our hearts in gratitude. I always remind myself that the little sacrifice I make by staying up late is nothing compared to the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. So even if my eyes feel heavy, even if my body starts to get tired, I push myself to focus on worshiping Him. The atmosphere inside the church feels holy and peaceful, and I can feel the Spirit of God move in every song, every word, and every prayer spoken. In that place, the world outside fades away and all that matters is Godโs presence surrounding us.
During worship, I always take a moment to reflect on my week. Sometimes it was filled with challenges, sadness, or exhaustion, but the moment I lift my hands to worship, I feel all those burdens disappear. There is something beautiful about surrendering everything to God during those late hours. It is quiet outside, and it feels like the world is asleep, but inside the church, hearts are awake and alive for Him. I often find myself in tears, not because I am sad, but because I feel deeply loved. The music, the voices of people worshiping together, and the words of the songs remind me that I am never alone. It strengthens my faith and fills me with peace that lasts long after the service ends. I realize that every minute spent with God is never wasted because He restores everything I give to Him.
After the service, even though it is already past midnight, we do not go home right away. Instead, we spend time with our co-youth members, talking, laughing, and sometimes singing again just for fun. We call it our bonding moment, a time to share our stories and lift each otherโs spirits. Some of us bring coffee to stay awake, and we sip it while sharing testimonies or talking about how we felt during the worship. The simple act of being together, surrounded by people who love God as much as I do, makes me feel so grateful. The laughter we share, the songs we sing, and the unity we have remind me that the family of God is one of the greatest blessings a person could have. Even if we are tired, our hearts are full of joy because we know that what we are doing is for the Lord.
Those late-night moments teach me something important about faith and dedication. It is easy to worship God when everything is convenient, but true worship happens when we choose Him even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. Staying up until one in the morning is not easy, especially after a long week, but the joy I feel afterward is worth it. Every time I attend our sacrificial worship, I learn more about humility and obedience. It helps me build stronger discipline in my spiritual life and reminds me that worship is not about convenience but commitment. It is about giving God the best of my time and energy because He deserves nothing less. I learned that the more I give myself to Him, the more He fills me with strength, peace, and love.
Every Friday night becomes a reminder that my relationship with God is not built on routine but on love. I attend not because I am required to, but because I genuinely want to be in His presence. It is my way of showing Him how grateful I am for all He has done for me. When I look around and see my fellow youth worshiping passionately, I feel inspired and encouraged. We are all growing together in faith, learning to serve God in our own ways. The atmosphere of worship gives us hope and reminds us that our generation can still choose holiness and faithfulness in a world full of distractions. Our hearts burn with a shared desire to please God and make Him proud, not just through singing but through the lives we live every day.
As the night ends and the first light of Saturday appears, I always feel renewed. My heart is light, my spirit is at peace, and my mind is filled with gratitude. I go home feeling that I have given my best to the Lord, and in return, He has filled me with strength for another week ahead. Some might not understand why we call it sacrificial worship, but for me, it is one of the most rewarding parts of my spiritual journey. I may lose hours of sleep, but I gain something far more valuable, and that is closeness with God. It is a sacrifice that never feels heavy because it comes from love. Every Friday, I am reminded that the truest form of rest is found not in sleep, but in the presence of the One who gives rest to our souls. And as long as I live, I will continue to choose worship over rest, because worship is where I truly belong.
