Have you ever showed up to worship on a Sunday and been so distracted you found that by the time worship services ended you wondered if it was even worth attending because you were so distracted? Most of us have been there. Unfortunately, our society and culture have high demands on our time and we could live in a distracted state of mind for decades before addressing it if we are not careful. Therefore, I want to share a few thoughts with you. Things that I know will help you to worship in a way that will bring you life and help you to give to the LORD and receive from the LORD during worship. It will take a little bit of thoughtful prep… take heart, it won’t be too difficult.
Before we enter into the sacred space of corporate worship, it’s essential to prepare our hearts and minds. Here are seven steps to help us engage in meaningful preparation for Sunday worship:
- Reflect and Repent: Daily prepare by reflecting on the Scriptures as we consider our week. Take a moment to acknowledge God’s plan and any shortcomings or missed opportunities to connect with the LORD. Repentance opens the door to a refreshed and cleansed heart.
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. – Acts 3:19 & 20
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9
- Prayer and Meditation: Daily dedicated time to prayer and meditation, allowing our minds to focus on Scripture and attune to the sacred. This practice opens us to be tender before God and His plan. In a loud and obnoxious world, we need to be purposeful to be still and not let the noise in.
Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. – Psalm 46:10
- Express Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Multiple times throughout the day, we should take a moment to express thanks for the blessings in our life. Specifically, God’s work and His actions in our life. Gratitude fosters a Godly mindset, setting the stage for a worshipful experience.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34
- Create a Sacred Space: Designate a space at home for worship. Whether it’s a cozy corner with a candle and a comfortable chair or a room adorned with symbols of faith, creating a sacred space to draw near to the Lord can enhance your focus and preparation for corporate worship.
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. – Matthew 6:6
- Early To Rise: Go to bed a bit early and be prepared to get up a little early. Spend a few moments in prayer preparing your heart, turn on some worship music to dedicate yourself to the Lord and to keep your mind on the Lord.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. – Psalm 5:3
6. Engage in Scripture: Immerse in scripture before the worship service. Whether it’s reading a passage, meditating on a verse, or studying a particular theme, scripture engagement enhances your understanding and connection with the LORD. I would encourage taking a moment to read the scripture that will be preached on that Sunday.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. – Psalm 119:105
- Arrive Early: Arriving before service begins is important but we can’t forget that there are a few additional matters that may take time (i.e. checking in the kiddos, getting coffee, visiting with others, finding a seat, etc). Give yourself time in the morning so that you can worship and serve the LORD in non-distracted ways.
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1
By engaging in these practices, we prepare our hearts to receive the fullness of God’s presence and to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Let us approach Sunday worship with open hearts, minds that are focused, and spirits that are ready to encounter the living God.
Click here to watch a video about preparing your heart for worship.
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Pastor Kenny White
Kenny White is a hot mess! He is amazed that God loves Him and basks in the fact that “God saved a wretch like me!” Kenny accepted the LORD as His savior just prior to turning 18 and has been swept away in the current of following Jesus (and he doesn’t plan on returning). Kenny married his college sweetheart, Cindy! They have 7 kids and love spending time together. You may find Kenny on one of His 30 Day Challenges (they range from studying a new language to learning a few chords on a guitar to eating a specific diet to using his non-dominant hand for everyday activities) or on a prayer walk. Though Kenny doesn’t take himself seriously, he loves Jesus and wants to make Him known!