Suggestions for Worship

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.

Worship is not just something we do that is pleasing to us, though sincere and heartfelt worship is that, but it is directed to the God of all Creation and should be approached with great reverence and fear. As we worship, we should “give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name” and “worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2). Jesus said true worship is done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). If our heart is not in our worship, if our minds are wandering on things other than the worship of God, then we are offering vain worship to God.

There are things we can do to make our worship better. Though not original with me, I offer these “Suggestions For Worship” for your consideration.

  1. PREPARE FOR WORSHIP – Start preparing for worship before it begins.  The night before worship, lay out the clothes you will wear to worship, study the Bible lesson for the class, bring your Bible, pray for the worship service and those leading it.
  2. COME – Never miss a worship service unless it is absolutely necessary. Of George Washington it was once said: “No company ever kept him away from church.”  Heb. 10:25.
  3. COME EARLY – Rushing into the assembly at the last minute is not conductive to worship … neither for you nor the other worshipers.
  4. BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY – The worship hour is not a convention to which you may simply send a family delegate.
  5. BE SEATED CLOSE TO THE FRONT OF THE AUDITORIUM – Leave the back seats for those who may arrive late and for mothers with small children.
  6. BE REVERENT – The meeting house is not a theater of place of amusement. You have come to worship God, not to laugh, whisper and visit. The worship service deserves our utmost reverence.
  7. BE CONSIDERATE – Don’t make a haystack of yourself at the end of the row and expect others to crawl over you to reach a seat.
  8. PARTICIPATE – Join in the worship service. Be a good listener during the sermon. Be sure to sing. Don’t just sit as a spectator.
  9. BE THOUGHTFUL OF VISITORS – They are our special guests. Treat them with the same courtesy as you would if they should visit in your home.
  10. CONTRIBUTE GENEROUSLY – God loves a cheerful giver. Freely ye have received; freely give. Remember YOUR OFFERING IS TO GOD.
  11. LINGER – Never rush for the door after the closing prayer as if the building were on fire. Speak to others, be friendly.
  12. BE PRESENT – Don’t stay away from services because you see imperfections in the church. How utterly lonely you would feel in a perfect church.