Preparing for Sunday morning worship. When was the last time you gave it any significant thought? Whether you have or haven't, I'm here to add some fuel to the fire.
I found this article by Kevin DeYoung very helpful. Its title, "Preparing for Sunday Worship" lays out several important truths. PLEASE take the time to read it.
I'd like to add a couple comments regarding Sunday worship. I hope you find these to be of benefit.
1. I haven't met very many (if any) Christians who are on fire for the Lord who don't worship regularly.
The bottom line is that gathering regularly is something God has always wanted His people to do, and always will. Many will say "Jesus didn't come to start a church". I would respond, "He did worship regularly." (Luke 4:16)
If Jesus set the pattern, it is something we should take seriously.
2. It's all about priority.
The things DeYoung lists in his article are all about priority. As a pastor, most of the excuses for missing worship are about priority. I'm not going to be specific, but I heard a phrase a while ago that I think is helpful: "Where your heart is, your heels will follow."
At our church and churches across the land believers worship with those among them who are sick, in pain, struggling with depression, doubt, fear, guilt, etc. The reality is that if you desire to attend worship, you will. If you don't, you won't.
3. It's about God.
If you're reading this, make sure you remember worship is first about God. Even if you're convicted that you should attend a worship gathering more often, ask GOD to work, not some blog article.
Developing the priority to be a part of worship gatherings can be a part of developing a God-centered life. He is the only one who can bring that about. To attempt it out of your own strength is a great recipe for failure and more guilt.
In sum
To conclude, I enjoy worship as a discipline and a meaningful event. God works in my life through worship. I hope you take the same view more and more!
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin