Dear First Pres,
We've been doing something new at the beginning of worship. Have you noticed?
One of the things that we do every week as our worship services begin is a Call to Worship. It's meant to be more than a welcome or just some routine introductory remarks. The Call to Worship is meant to draw our attention toward the purpose of our gathering.
When we gather on Sunday mornings, we come in all kinds of conditions. Some of us are frazzled; some of us are sick; some of us are eager to connect with friends; some of us are feeling close to God, and others far; some of us are perseverating about something at work; some of us are wondering if our team will win the game; some of us are ready to engage with God, and others are not. We are an incredible mix of circumstances, emotions, and faith when we gather together. That's the way it is in every congregation.
So, the Call to Worship is meant to center our attention on God rather than ourselves. It's meant to literally call or provoke our souls into awareness of God's presence and into an attitude of worship. It's meant to wake us up to the truth of who God is and what He has done so that we are ready to give Him praise. That's why we keep doing a Call to Worship week after week.
What's new is the way we've been doing the Call to Worship. We've decided to make it primarily a corporate prayer. Prayer has a way of drawing the congregation into focus. It has a way of quieting our hearts before the Lord to help us focus on Him. So, even if you haven't yet found your seat, I encourage you to participate in that Call to Worship prayer. If you're in the Sanctuary Entry you'll notice that when that prayer starts, the ushers will bow their heads to pray. I hope you will too. If you're halfway down the side aisle, just take a moment to be still and participate. Wherever you are in the building, I hope you'll stop, take a deep breath, and prepare your heart to meet with our Living Lord by joining in that prayer. I truly believe it will help you and your congregation be ready to worship the Lord together.
Blessings,
Jeremy
P.S. I sent you an important letter by mail today, please be on the lookout for it on Friday or Saturday.
Posted by
