Monday, December 12: Scripture – Psalm 96:7-9
7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
bring an offering, and come into his courts.
9 Worship the Lord in holy splendor;
tremble before him, all the earth.
Psalm 96 is a Psalm of Praise. It reminds us that there are many ways we can praise God, but an important one is to give God glory in worship. To assure that worship is not something we do mindlessly, it is helpful to prepare our hearts and minds for worship each week.
What gets in the way of preparing your heart and mind for worship? At different times in my life, I have let a child who is piddling when they should be putting on their shoes, a fight with a family member on the way to church, or the to-do list of things I need to get done before the end of the day get in my way.
What have you found that helps you to prepare for worship? I have found that planning ahead of time helps me. That may include getting the children’s clothes out and gathering the items I need to take to church the night before, having a simple breakfast ready to pick up, and leaving a few minutes earlier than necessary so I’m not sliding in my pew as the call to worship begins. Others find listening to hymns as they get dressed or having family prayer time on the way to church helpful.
Advent is a season of preparation. During this season, what new practice could you try to help prepare your heart and mind for worship each week?
Prayer: Marvelous and glorious God, during this Advent season, help me to prepare to worship you mindfully and with intentionality so I am ready to welcome you anew into my heart this Christmas.
Kathryn McGregor