Close to the Throne: Adoration (Daily Devotional)

Scripture: Psalms 46:10, Proverbs 9:10, Luke 10:38-42, Luke 2, and Matthew 2

Thought: For true adoration, one must find oneself close to the throne and the feet of the Master.

Understanding Adoration:

Adoration in Scripture is far more than a posture of thanksgiving or praise—it is a surrendered awe before the God we serve. It is a time to focus entirely on Him: His attributes, His character, His holiness, His majesty. In our prayers, we often bring petitions for our own needs or those of loved ones. But adoration steps away from me and my world to fix our eyes fully on Him.

Psalm 46:10 calls us to “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!”Being still means becoming fully present with Him—mind and spirit attentive—rather than distracted by our concerns.

Adoration draws us away from self and into intentional contemplation of God. Proverbs 9:10 reminds us, “The fear [reverence, awe] of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

2. Three Biblical Portraits of Adoration

Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:38–42)

While Martha busied herself with serving, Mary chose to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen. Jesus commended her choice… Why? Because activity is not the same as intimacy. We can be involved in good works yet neglect personal time with Him. The enemy is content for us to stay busy—as long as we remain prayerless. Mary reminds us that adoration requires stillness and focus.

Mary’s Anointing of Jesus (Mark 14:3–9; John 12:1–7)

Mary’s anointing was an act of costly devotion—pouring out a gift worth a year’s wages, possibly tied to her future security. She gave without hesitation, unconcerned with criticism, because she knew who Jesus was to her: Master, Savior, Redeemer. Jesus declared that her act would be remembered wherever the gospel is preached.

The Shepherds and the Magi (Luke 2; Matthew 2)

The angels’ song to the shepherds and the Magi’s long, dangerous journey to worship the newborn King reveal the universal scope of adoration. Heaven, earth, Jews, Gentiles—all are called to glorify Him. The Magi’s gifts acknowledged Jesus’ kingship (gold), deity (frankincense), and sacrifice (myrrh).

3. Lessons for Us:

• Adoration is about Him, not us. It shifts our gaze from what God does for us to who God is.

• Adoration demands stillness. We must quiet our minds and be fully present.

• Adoration is costly. It may require our time, focus, resources, and surrender.

• Adoration is eternal. Angels worship Him now, just as they did at His birth, and we will join them forever.

Reflection Thoughts:

• Have I confused activity for God with intimacy with God?

• Do I regularly set aside time to focus on God’s attributes rather than my needs?

• What “costly” offering—time, talent, treasure—might God be calling me to lay before Him in worship?

• In what ways can I be more present with the Lord during my devotional time?

Journaling Prompts:

1. Write down five attributes of God that stir awe in your heart. Spend time praising Him for each.

2. Recall a moment when you felt truly seen and loved by God. How can you respond to Him in worship for that?

3. What distractions most often steal your attention during prayer? How can you guard against them?

4. Imagine standing before the throne in heaven—how would you adore Him there? Begin practicing that now.