The way that we prepare to gather for corporate worship is really important.

In Psalm 122 David writes,

“I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Something unique and special happens when we gather as God’s people to sing his praises, to be encouraged in our faith, and to remind our hearts of the good news of the gospel.

Recently I attended a U2 concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of their hit album “The Joshua Tree.” I began thinking about the concert beforehand; I listened to lots of U2 songs in the week leading up to the concert – even loading up my vinyl copy of the Joshua Tree on my record player. On the day of the event, I arrived early. We made a plan for parking and took into account the travel time it would take getting there and arrived at our seats with plenty of time before the band came on stage (It was a great concert!).

On the day of the event, I arrived early. We made a plan for parking and took into account the travel time it would take getting there and arrived at our seats with plenty of time before the band came on stage (It was a great concert!).

I believe a lot of the same principles can be applied when we prepare to come together on Sunday mornings.

It is good to ready our hearts by reading the word with our families, spending time praying and listening to worship music. Thinking through timing so that we can park, grab a donut, say hi to a few people, drop the kids off at LIFEkids and then be in the worship center before the service begins.

However, this isn’t usually the case for most of us. We often race up to church late, maybe arguing with our spouse over the kids clothing choices for the day. We then rush to find a parking spot, don’t get to say hi to anyone, drop off our kids in the children’s ministry, and then walk into the worship center halfway through the third song. How can we expect to connect with God and have our hearts in the right place when this is how we prepare? For the Puritans, preparing for worship started the night before. The Puritans were people who were concerned with being prepared for Worship. Maybe this is something you could begin to think about in your weekend routine.

How can we expect to connect with God and have our hearts in the right place when this is how we prepare? For the Puritans, preparing for worship started the night before. The Puritans were people who were concerned with being prepared for Worship. Maybe this is something you could begin to think about in your weekend routine.

I really try to guard being out late on Saturday night because I know on Sunday I will not be able to focus and worship in the same way if I am tired from the night before.
Let me give you some questions to ponder. What are your expectations for Sunday mornings?

Have you thought about why you go to Church?

How do you and your family prepare for corporate worship? My concern is that oftentimes we are too casual with how we approach our worship gatherings. We need to build a sense of expectancy that God is going to move and change lives for his glory!

Ephesians 5:15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.