Are You Prepared to Worship?

In today’s devotional, Goodness, by Calvin Miller, the question is posed, “How important is it to be ready, or be prepared to enter into worship?” When we engage in personal, private worship (our devotional time), or in community worship (Sunday services), we enter into the presence of our Holy and Almighty God. I think we can easily take this great privilege for granted, at times too casual, and even not prepared. The psalmist asks this same question and offers the answer:

3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear by what is false.
Psalm 24:3-4

If one of us were called to the White House as an honored guest with nationally televised attention, would we just pack jeans, t-shirts and smelly, old sneakers and go. Certainly not, we would most likely make an appointment at Damascuts, buy a new suit at Men’s Warehouse, stop at Nordstrom’s and purchase dress shoes, belt, tie, socks, and even new underwear…head to toe I would be good to go. I wouldn’t think twice about spending the money, because this would be a once-in-a-lifetime event that I would want to be prepared and ready for.

As exciting and memorable as that event might be, it pales in comparison to being in the presence of God our Father. To be in the presence of His glory, His grace, His power, His love and have His undivided attention. Now, that’s something to be fully prepared and ready for. As we engage in worship let’s come into His presence with clean hands (actions that may have hurt others or in disobedience to God), a pure heart (pure motives, desire, focus and single-minded devotion to God), and in Truth (know, believe and live in the Truth). When we prepare our hands, heart and mind for this invitation to be in His presence we will then honor, worship and please our Heavenly Father.

As we come together for our Celebration Worship Service this Sunday, take some time before you enter the building and prepare to enter into His presence.