As we continue our series on the Natural Church Development process and the work of the Church Health Team, this month we focus on the second element of "Inspiring Worship Service," Anticipation for Worship. Church Health Team member George F offers these inspiring and thoughtful words. How do YOU prepare for and anticipate worship? How do you prepare yourself so that you are open to the Spirit and the touch of God as you worship on Sunday mornings?
"Inside yourself you shouldn't be running all the time." That’s Tina Turner, rock and soul superstar, quoting a Trappist monk. I found this in The Upper Room Disciplines 2009 – the book that the Monday Morning group uses for its weekly study.
Those words echo God’s invitation to each of us: "Be still and know that I am God." God waits to meet us in silence and solitude. But God also meets us in the everyday tumble of our lives. For those times when we must be on the run God keeps pace with us. God does seek us out. God is faithful. God finds us wherever we are.
On Sunday I look forward to the worship service so that I can sing and pray and get inspiration from others. During the week I try to find some time to make space for God, to still myself, to meditate on scripture, to pray and to listen to God’s still small voice.
Here are some suggestions to find snippets of time during the week to prepare for the Sunday Worship Service.
- Quiet time in the morning may be a good time for calming and centering before starting the demands of the day.
- Time in the evening gives a chance to pause, reflect and pray.
- Many people find a meditation has deepest meaning during exercise like running, swimming or walking.
- A train or bus ride provides time for reflection and opening to God on your way.
Preparation for Meaningful worship is an element of our church’s commitment to Inspiring Worship Services for Church Health.
No matter what form your spiritual discipline takes, God begins with you wherever and however you begin.
