The opportunity of worship is the opportunity to gaze on the power and beauty of the Lord. Coming into worship in a church isn’t about the “entertainment” value. It is the incredible opportunity to come face to face with the living God.

Yes, I’ve seen you in the sanctuary;
I’ve seen your power and glory. (Psalm 63:2, CEB)

David would come into the sanctuary and allow the elements of worship draw him into the presence of God. Worship together needs to draw our attention to the One worthy of worship. It is about the Lamb on the throne. It is not about US. David would come into the sanctuary and find the elements of the liturgy drawing him to seek the Lord. It was in that worship he found the power and the glory of God.

Come hungry! When you come to church, come ready to feast!

Too often we come exhausted. We drop into our seats and hope that the worship team has something for us. It may just shock our entire system to think WE are supposed to come in with hearts hungry and asking, “Lord, what can I do for you?”

When you come to worship with the Body of Christ, begin with an appetizer at home. Feast on the Word. Read a Psalm or two. Take the time to put on some worship music that begins to draw your heart to the worship of the Lamb on the throne. Have those songs in your heart on the way to church. When the Israelites came to the Feasts, they would sing the “Songs of Ascents.” They came worshipping.

As you come in tasting the Word of God and preparing your heart with song, you may find that you can more readily experience the power and the glory of God when you are there.

As a pastor, and along with our worship team, we want our hearts hungry when we come as well. I have feasted on the Word all week as I try to prepare a great meal for those coming to church. I have asked for a song in my heart. I don’t always come with a song… but I try.

The realization is that neither I nor the worship team can put that song into the hearts of those coming. We can only supplement that song. I’m long done with the guilt that I’m supposed to “crank it up” for those coming. No show. We’re hungry hearts coming to feast on the greatness of our God. And with hungry hearts we will see his power and glory.