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Prepare Your Heart

There is an old chorus that rings in my ear this morning. It may be familiar to you, as well. The main chorus of the song says, “I was so glad when they said unto me, let us go to the house of the Lord.” This song is based on a Scripture from the book of Psalms, where David writes “I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 122:1, NRSV).

I don’t know about you, but Sunday mornings at our house can be a little hectic. I am always out the door first as I head to church to prepare for the morning services and sometimes I bring my son along with me. But before we head out the door, there is often a scurry of activity as breakfast is eaten and showers are taken. Dealing with two young children on a Sunday morning can be trying! In the midst of all the chaos, I begin to prepare my heart by asking God to be glorified in all that I do throughout that morning. As a worship pastor, it is easy to become bogged down on a Sunday morning by all of the details, so I have to make a concerted effort to prepare my heart and my mind each weekend.

When we come to church on Sunday morning for our time of corporate worship, it is our opportunity to give back. Many times when we think about giving back we automatically associate it with financial giving. This is not the only way that we give to God; we give to God with our offering of praise and worship. If we are to give readily and with excitement, we have to prepare our hearts and our minds and have an attitude that says “I am so glad that I am going to the house of the Lord today.”

Next time you begin to prepare to come to a time of worship, I encourage you to start by asking God to be glorified in all that you do that day. Ask Him for a spirit of joy and giving as you bring your offering of praise before His throne.

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