MARCH 17, 2010

THE PRIORITY

OF WORSHIP

Scripture Reading-

Psalm 5:7-- "But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple."

Psalm 69:13-- "But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me,

in the truth of thy salvation."

Years ago, Ann Landers published letters in which her readers described their church services. Several were especially interesting.

A reader from Alabama wrote, "Protestant worship services are mostly selling tickets to ball games, tapes, pictures, records, and signing petitions on political issues. There is very little spirituality. And the music is a disgrace. No hymns anymore, just modern junk."

Someone from Florida wrote, "There is very little worshipping and meditation in our church. No time for it. Too busy congratulating couples on new babies, wedding anniversaries, engagements and leaning on parishioners to shell out more money. I pray at home."

We might assume these letters reflect members of main-line denominational churches. For the most part, that may be true. However, these members aren't the only ones who've lost the concept of an atmoshpere of worship where folks meet with God.

Worship demands a consciousness of God that focused everything on Him. When we leave a genuine worship service, we should have a sense of being overwhelmed by God and by His greatness. Here's a good test: What does your family talk about on the way home from church? Your answer will indicate whether your family goes to church to meet with God. If their talk is about the donuts, the softball trophy, or the next political election, your family may have missed the point in going to church.

Worship begins with God. If He's not the center of our attention at church, we should hardly say that we've been to a worship service.

ACTION POINT: As a family, discuss the atmoshpere of Sunday morning worship at your church.

-Tom Palmer-