I know that “10 minutes to prepare for worship” probably sounds silly. Worship is so important that taking only ten minutes to get ready to encounter God feels almost sinful. My goal here, though, is to help those busy, busy church members who take even less time (if any at all) to get ready for worship each weekend. I want folks to start somewhere, so here’s a simple prayer strategy to follow:
- “Lord, cleanse my heart in preparation for worshiping You.”
Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. For I am conscious of my rebellion, and my sin is always before me (Psa. 51:2-3)
- “Lord, make us long for You more than anything today.”
As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God. I thirst for God, the living God. (Psa. 42:1-2)
- “Lord, give my pastor boldness to share the gospel.”
Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. (Eph. 6:19)
- “Lord, let us see Your glory.”
Then Moses said, “Please, let me see Your glory.” (Exo. 33:18)
- “Lord, change me. All of me – my heart, my words. Change our church through Your Word.”
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. (Psa. 19:14)
- “I praise You, Lord.”
May the Lord be praised forever. Amen and amen. (Psa. 89:52)
Amen, indeed. Worship Him fully this weekend.
Thank you Chuck!
After a long two days in a planning retreat with church leadership, now preparing for tomorrow, I cannot thank you enough for this.
Thanks, Cynthia.