If you're a regular reader, you know that this is the third week in a row that Saturday's post has been titled "Preparing Our Hearts..."  That's because I've realized that if we're going to overcome the devil's tricks in our lives we need to be as intentional and purposeful as he is.  One of the most important, intentional actions of our lives is corporate worship.  When we gather together in the name of Jesus, to glorify our God:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the devil literally shakes. He can't stand it when we glorify God, when we submit ourselves to the one, true God. 

Sometimes we take worship, and particularly preparing for it, casually.  If we were preparing for a sporting event, or a test at school, or to meet someone we care about, we would invest time in the preparation.  Yet, we often make no preparations for a time of meeting with God.  God has laid it on my heart that He is worthy not only of our praise when we do worship Him, but also of preparing for worship--for Sunday worship, and for worship throughout the week.  As with preparing for other important activities in our lives, preparing for worship involves attitude, thinking, and logistics.  The best attitude for worship is gratitude.  Let's take some time today to say, "Thank You!" to God for all He is (which is praise) and all He does (which is thanksgiving). 

 Thinking about God, about worshiping Him, is called meditation in the Psalms.  While meditation often brings to mind the mindless chanting of some religions, for followers of Jesus, our meditation will be focused on God's word, and God's nature.  As we reflect on His truth and His being, we will naturally be led to worship, and we will certainly find ourselves more prepared for corporate worship.

 What are the "logistics" related to worship?  Obviously, many could be named, but let me point out a few.  One aspect of logistics is time and location.  When and where will you worship?  If you're worshiping at New Life then it will be Sunday at 8:45 or 10:15 at the South Butler Primary School.  If you live twenty minutes away, then that means leaving twenty-five or thirty minutes before the service in order to get there, park the car, allow for the slow driver you may encounter, and so on.  Over the years folks have told me, "I just don't seem to be able to get to worship on time."  Actually, a more accurate statement would be, "I just didn't leave home soon enough to get to worship on time."  I don't know many folks who would arrive at the end of the first quarter for a Steelers' game.  Why?  Because they would leave early enough to account for all the possible logistic challenge to getting there on time.  What happens at New Life on Sunday mornings is far more important than what happens at Heinz Field (or may not happen this fall?).

Another logistic is "materials."  What materials are needed for public worship?  Your own Bible is important.  While we read the Bible passages from the screen on Sundays at New Life, having your Bible with you and open to the passage being read and explained can be quite helpful. If you hear something you want to remember you can write a note in the margin and you'll have it forever, instead of just for that moment.  Another important material is a pen or pencil.  Obviously, you can use it to take notes, and also to complete a Connection Card.  I guess I should include a smart phone, or an IPad as possible materials, too!

Preparing our hearts for worship.  It's an activity that will pay greater rewards than most.  I hope you'll invest some time and energy to it today!