Solitude with the Father

I go to church every Sunday. It’s something I have done since I was a baby. Nothing like a good worship service. But recently it’s been a chore to go.

I just came back from a trip to Israel. And one of the things God really convicted me about is how I prepare to worship.

There was a site called the Southern Steps (one of the very few archeological sites known to still exist from Jesus’ days on the earth) One of the things that were mentioned was that the steps had different widths. This was done so that a person wouldn’t run up the stairs to get things done but to contemplate by walking slowly up to the temple. It forced a person to slow down and think about what they were about to do. The question one of our leaders asked was “What do we do to prepare for worship?

I had to take a long look within. I realized that I don’t prepare to worship. And that maybe it’s the reason I struggle with going. I don’t spend time in the Bible like I do other mornings. Why? I get it in church. I check e-mails and school schedules nothing that says I’m ready to worship my Creator and Savior. I do everything else including rushing around to get ready. Where is the peace, the excitement to spend time with God’s people worshipping the God of the Universe?

What other way would be perfect to prepare my heart to sing, and listen to the Word being taught than to spend time with one who has given me life, both spiritually and physically?

I have resigned from my old ways. I plan on intentionally spending time asking the Holy Spirit to prepare my heart for what is to come. That means no e-mails, school assignments, nothing that isn’t relevant to worship. That includes setting out the clothes the night before.

What are you doing to prepare to worship God? Are you rushing around instead of spending time with Him in the Word and prayer, and perhaps then turn on praise music.

Corporate worship does not negate the individual time that is necessary for us to grow. I challenge you to take a hard look at your Sunday routine and ask God if there is anything that needs to be put aside that morning so you can focus on the time of worship that is to come.