Worship begins as
I close the door of my home. On my way, I pray for my church, the minister and for those
who worship far and near. Before I enter the House of God, I pause for a moment that I may
cast off and leave outside the things and thoughts unbecoming to a child of our Heavenly
Father: hates, grudges, fretting, worldly cares and sinful thoughts.
The moment I enter the door of this sacred house I
cease all conversation. I come in silence for great things arise out of quietness and
minister to me and to those about me.
I join
in the singing of hymns. I think about the words of the song and let their meaning and
spirit go down to the very roots of my soul. As I lay my offering in the plate, I say a
prayer of thanks for my money, and I ask God's blessing on its use here and in the
uttermost parts of the world.
As I listen to the minister as he preaches from God's
word, I seek to apply his message to my life, and I pray for him as he preaches.
As God's invitation is given, I pray that his
Spirit's call might receive a ready response in the heart of the unsaved and weary in
spirit. I rejoice and give thanks as they take their stand for Christ.
No wonder that, as I turn homeward after the service,
I have that peculiar feeling of those who have worshipped deeply, helpfully. |
