Huntington Church of Christ

It is possible to go through the motions of "true" worship and never really worship God. One might utter words of a prayer through habit and rote while his mind is far away. Songs might be sung for the beauty of the music or catchy tune, but the words of the hymn go unnoticed. One can fumble through their wallet and toss legal tender in the collection plate without ever sacrificing or considering God's wonderful goodness. People can eat unleavened bread and drink the fruit of the vine without ever thinking of Christ's suffering and death. Some have even been known to daydream or sleep during sermons and Bible readings, or be easily distracted by surrounding activities. Therefore our spirit or mind must be attentive and involved in worship.

Worship should always draw the Christian closer to God. When we pray and sing, our thoughts should be intertwined. Songs can lead into prayers and prayers can flow into songs. Our hearts should swell with thanksgiving for both physical and spiritual blessings that flow from our Great and Benevolent God. These thoughts should flood our hearts as we partake of the memorial feast, lay by in store, sing or pray. When we hear God's word read or proclaimed, we can be thankful for God's love and concern to reveal Himself and communicate to us. He thought enough of us to send His only begotten Son to die in our place. How unworthy and dependent we are and how Great and Magnificent He is! When we listen to His word read before the Lord's Supper or collection, or referred to in the sermon, let it sink deep into the heart, taste the sweetness of His word. The Hebrews writer says we exhort and encourage one another through our faithful attendance and fellowship of services. God knows what is best for us. We should and can leave every service refreshed, revived and filled, if we truly worship in spirit and truth.

Daniel S. Dow
Huntington Church of Christ