Preparing to worship God with God's people.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” (Exodus 19:10-11)
In Exodus 19 we see God Himself instructing His people to prepare to meet Him. This was a three-day process for the nation of Israel. This sounds extreme but it shouldn’t be a surprise because God is worthy of full honor and reverence. So, it is fitting that His people would take significant steps to prepare themselves to meet Him in worship. From this example we need to learn the important practice of preparing to worship God with God’s people. Below are six steps for you to take to prepare yourself to worship our great God alongside God’s people.
Action steps to prepare to worship God:
1. Prioritize and plan for attending the worship service.
(Psalm 84; Hebrews 10:24-25)
Put it on your calendar as an appointment of the highest priority; you are, in fact, going to meet God. Say with the psalmist, “Better is one day in Your courts that 1000 elsewhere!”
2. Minimize the distractions to worship.
(Mark 12:30; 1 Corinthians 14:40)
Don’t stay up so late that you’ll be tired, plan your Sundays so you’re minimally rushed, prepare what you can ahead of time so you can have quality family time as you prepare together.
3. Cultivate a good and worshipful mindset.
(2 Corinthians 10:5)
Many times people are unable to worship because they’re letting their thoughts run amuck, distracting them from the great God they came to meet in worship. This is a very effective ploy of the devil. Don’t let the devil rob you of the experience of meaningfully worshipping God.
4. Draw near to God.
(James 4:8)
If there’s sin in your heart, repent of it. If your mind is set on other things, take it captive. If you’re heart is restless, restrain it. And do all this as you draw near to God personally in anticipation of drawing near to Him alongside your brothers and sisters.
5. Confess sin and reconcile with your brothers.
(Matthew 5:22-24; 1 John 1:9)
Jesus instructs that if there is friction between worshipers they ought to first reconcile and then come to worship. As you prepare to worship, go to your brothers and sisters so that after reconciling and forgiving you can all come together, as one, to worship.
6. Learn to linger.
(Acts 2:42)
The church in Acts was committed to fellowship and community. So, part of preparing to worship God as one body necessitates fellowship. Show up early to the church service, stay a couple minutes late, have a meal afterwards with another family. Find ways to linger and fellowship with others in the body of Christ.
7. Familiarize yourself with the songs that will be sung.
(Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)
Singing is such a beautiful aspect of worship. One of the natural responses to the beautiful truths of the gospel is to sing them! Singing is done both to God in praise and thanks, and to one another to bless them and to express our joyous unity. Learn and familiarize the songs that will be sung so that you can sing confidently, loudly, to God and to your church family.
8. Pray for the church’s leaders and servants.
(Hebrews 13:17)
God has called and anointed certain individuals to be pastors, preachers, song-leaders, and many behind the scenes servants. These people serve God and the church body in significant ways that make the gathered worship possible and meaningful. Pray for them as they resist temptations and seek to glorify God with the best of their God-given abilities.
Disclaimer:
Much of this list was borrowed from What Happens When We Worship, by Jonathan Cruse, Reformation Heritage Books, 2020. I would highly recommend this book for all who want to learn more about worship, what it is and how to prepare for it.
