5 Ways to Prepare for Digital Worship

A screenshot from online worship at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on June 1st, 2025. Credit: Good Shepherd

So you, and many others, are now choosing to worship digitally — whether it’s because you’re traveling, live far from a physical congregation, or simply prefer the peace and flexibility of participating from home. Whatever the reason, online worship is a powerful way to stay connected with God and your community, regardless of physical location.

With this opportunity comes a unique challenge: How do you foster deep connection and reverence when you’re not physically in a church building surrounded by fellow worshipers?

How can you make sure that worship stays a priority in practice, not just in theory?

The key is intentional preparation. Many congregations, when we gather in person, hear a leader say, “Prepare your hearts and minds for worship.” Now we’re called to prepare not just our hearts and minds, but the spaces we inhabit — the physical spaces of our homes — and the way we show up to the online service.

Here are 5 ways you can help make online worship more rich, reverent, and purposeful.

1. Set (and choose) your space.

If you’re having trouble feeling present during worship, take a look around you. Are there laundry piles, dishes, or distractions competing for your attention? It can be helpful to create a small, designated space in your home for worship — a corner of a room, a seat at your table — and clear it of distractions. The physical environment can affect your ability to focus and appreciate the service. If you’re able, keep this space clean and purposeful, a place you associate with peace and reverence.

2. Utilize images.

Art, Scripture, and symbolism have long played a role in honoring the Sacred. If you have a favorite icon, painting, or a small cross, consider placing it nearby to help center your mind and soul. Open your Bible to a cherished passage or display a piece of art that resonates with your faith. These physical symbols can help draw you into a more intimate, communal frame of mind — even when you’re physically alone.

3. Remember your baptism.

Baptism is a powerful symbol of renewal and belonging. To connect with its significance during online worship, consider having a small bowl of water nearby. Touch it with your finger and make the sign of the cross on your forehead, remembering your own baptism and unity in the larger body of faith. This simple action transforms ordinary water into a rich, intimate symbol of God’s promises — a powerful, physical way to connect to something greater.

4. Light up your world.

Candles have historically represented the light of God’s presence. Whether you light a small candle or a large unity candle in your home, it can become a physical reminder of the Spirit’s ability to illuminate and bring peace, regardless of where we gather. As you light it, take a moment to appreciate its glow and reflect on the light that God brings into your life and into the world.

5. Sing it loud, say it proud!

When you’re participating from home — whether you’re alone or with a small group — it can feel strange or awkward to lift your voice in song or respond aloud during a service. But remember: worship is meant to be participatory. So pray aloud, respond when called upon, and lift your voice in song with conviction. There’s no shame in passionate worship, whether you’re in a large congregation or sitting on your own sofa.

Online worship is a powerful opportunity to connect with God and community in a new way — without borders, without limits. With a little intentional preparation and an openness to participating fully from home, your digital worship can become a rich, intimate, and deeply rewarding experience.