Monday June 5, 2023

Today is Monday, June 5 and we are studying what the Bible says about worship.

As I begin today’s pilgrim journey, I fix my eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. I focus on faithfully following his footsteps as he gently leads me on the well-worn paths of holiness.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord and Savior, teach me how to make progress in this pilgrim life. Reveal truth and vanquish lies, let love cast out fear, shine the light that overcomes the darkness, and fill me with the peace that passes understanding. Amen.

I embark on my spiritual sojourn praising God with the ancient words of Psalm 122, a Psalm of Ascent.

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1-2

Pause and Pray

This week’s Psalm of Ascent calls believers to worship. The early Christians gathered regularly to worship God. They did not have a church building, but they were very much “the church.” They met in the Temple courts, gathered in homes to break bread and provided a witness of love and joy to everyone who observed their compassion and kindness. The following passage from the book of Acts describes this tiny, flourishing Christian community. They lived their life together, in unity and simplicity. They met regularly to worship the God they loved and share fellowship with one another.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Today I consider my current practice of faith and my present Christian community. Have I devoted myself to the teachings of the church, engaged in Bible Study, participated in Sunday School and attentively listened to the pastor’s sermons? I evaluate the amount of time I spend in private prayer, praying with others and sharing fellowship with other Christians. I calculate the amount of money I give to the church and the amount I share with the poor and needy. Does my life as a Christian lived out in my congregation provide a witness of love and joy to the surrounding community?

Ask: What is my motivation to worship God? Is my worship confined to one hour weekly or is worship a way of life for me?

Pause and Pray

Holy and loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I worship you. I lift my heart to you in praise and thanksgiving and sing the songs of praise in my heart of hearts. I devote myself to you, to my church and to the teachings of your Holy Word. I long to join other Christians and rejoice in your presence, breaking bread in fellowship and sharing life with one another. I read the words from Acts again and listen for the message you have for me.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

The journey toward Christian maturity happens in community – I do not grow in my faith in solitude but immersed in the fellowship of believers. I consider my current church home and community of faith. Is this where God wants me to be? Who are my closest Christian friends? I consider how much of myself and my time I invest in my church. Perhaps God wants me to increase or decrease in some way. Maybe God wants to add activities into my daily routine – worship, prayer, Bible study, missions, outreach, or service. If I do not currently have a church home, I ask God to lead me to one.

Pause and Pray

Loving Lord, thank you for blessing me with communities of faith throughout my Christian journey. I pray for my church and thank you that I get to be a part of this community. Show me my role in this particular congregation and inspire me to devote myself to it more fully. Amen.

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:29

I leave this time of prayer, inspired to go out into the world and be a witness to the love of Christ in word and deed.

Amen