WATCHWORD:
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3: 14-17
9 Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Psalm 96:9
Meditation:
Here I am to Worship
- Before the start of worship, the pastor announced that there would be a meeting of the Church Board immediately after the service. So, following worship, the Church Board gathered at the back of the sanctuary for the announced meeting. But there was a stranger in their midst — a visitor who had never attended their church before. “My friend,” said the pastor, “Didn’t you understand that this is a meeting of the Board?” “Yes,” said the visitor, “and after today’s sermon, I suppose I’m just about as bored as anyone else who came to this meeting.”
I was new in town, and for two years attended a particular church. I had come from an evangelical church that had a significant role in bringing me into a closer relationship with God. After two years of attending and serving this new church, I longed for the worship experience I had in my previous church. It seemed the experience I was having in my new church was basically good, but worship never crossed into reverence and it bothered me to leave the church unsatisfied, spiritually. Eventually, I chose a different route from my worship of God.
What makes the difference between a worship experience that is inspiring, and you walk away feeling like you have been to church, in the spiritual sense, and those worship experiences that seem to go on, maybe telling interesting stories, but never touching your inner faith? What really makes the difference?
I think we all have memorable worship experiences, those times when we walk away feeling like the Lord has touched us in special ways. Sometimes it’s the message, sometimes it’s the music, and sometimes it’s an indefinable quality in the experience that has really touched you.
In an earlier Watchword, I spoke of my experience at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, one Sunday morning. I had arrived early and was treated to quiet tenor saxophone music by Kenny G, from a loft, high above the sanctuary. The music was so clear, and pure that I sat there transfixed. I felt as if the Lord was speaking to me in the music, a message of forgiveness, love and presence. Music can do that.
In our lifetimes, we have heard enumerable sermons, some that struck a wonderful, responsive chord within, touching our souls. Then there were others… Sometimes that indefinable quality is fed by what we have experienced, worship after worship. Maybe it’s the liturgy, the order of worship, the pastor’s leadership, the music, or maybe, just maybe it is you. It is me. Maybe it is what we bring to our time with the Lord.
Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You
So here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You’re my God
You’re altogether lovely
altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me
Why do we come to worship? Do we look forward to visiting friends we only see in church? Do we come to be entertained? If we are bored by the experience, what does that say to Him, who is our God? Or, here I am, Lord, to worship You and You alone. Amen
Bulletin Board:
King of all days, oh so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above. Humbly You came to the earth You created, all for love’s sake became poor. And I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. So here I am to worship, Here I am to bow down, Here I am to say that You’re my God
Closing Prayer:
Awaken us, O Lord God, with your grace for the future. As you graciously forgive our sins, protect and strengthen us from all danger of future sins, so that we may serve you with a clear conscience, and joyfully receive our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes again in glory; he lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
