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Orthodox Doctrine (Summary of Christian Divinity)
Metropolitan Platon of Moscow, tr. Pinkerton, 1814
10. Part 1, Section 10: Of the Worship of God
From the foregoing considerations, it follows that man, as a reasonable creature, is bound to render unto God supreme and unfeigned worship, as to his Almighty Creator, and most merciful Benefactor.
1. Every creature is bound to worship its Creator. But as the worship of God necessarily requires intelligence and sincerity of spirit; and as man alone, amongst the visible creatures, is adorned with these gifts; therefore, he is the only one that can render unto God reasonable worship, and on this account he is bound to do so. He is bound to do so, not only for himself, but for all creation; to present his prayers to God, as a master prayeth his Lord for those who are under him, or as a father pleadeth for his family. Thus, for example, on beholding the sun, we ought to bless our Maker for preserving its light and heat, for the benefit of all the other creatures; or on looking upon the face of the earth, we should thank God that he hath made it fruitful, and causeth it to produce food for all that lives; and so in other cases. But when a man neglects this duty, he, as it were, pours contempt upon the creatures, and makes them ungrateful before God. In this sense the apostle writes, “For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly.” Rom. viii. 20.
What is divine worship?
2. Divine worship is the testifying of our subjection unto God. This subjection ought to be complete; because it is rendered to the highest of Beings, from whom we have received all that we possess. It ought also to be sincere; because we stand before Him, to whom are known the most secret thoughts of the heart. God himself calleth upon us to render unto him divine worship; First, By his very nature, which is most worthy to be adored by us. Secondly, By his innumerable benefits bestowed on us in creation, and more particularly in redemption; of which we are continually made partakers in his gracious providence. The Holy Scriptures teach us, that we are so deeply indebted to God for his manifold mercies, that we are altogether incapable of rendering unto him the worship which is due. “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?” Psalm cxvi. 12.