These reflections began in quiet moments of listening — moments when the heart pauses long enough to remember why we worship.

Over several years, short reflections were shared during church worship services in response to a simple invitation:
“Tell us why we are here.”

Each reflection grew out of prayer, scripture, and quiet listening throughout the week. Often just a few minutes long, they offered a brief pause during worship to help turn the heart toward God.

Over time, many of these reflections were gathered and eventually became the devotional journal Worship: That’s Why We Are Here.

Just as the journal was nearing completion, a new reflection came unexpectedly during a quiet moment before church — Entering Worship. That short piece became the opening invitation to the journal, gently welcoming the reader into a place of stillness and worship.

Today these reflections are shared through spoken word recordings, video reflections, and the devotional journal, each with the same simple purpose:
to help the heart pause, turn toward God, and remember why we worship.

Like a sunflower turning toward the light, worship begins when the heart intentionally turns toward God.

Valerie Maat shares these reflections through spoken word, video, and devotional writing.