Are You Ready To Worship?
It can certainly be busy, even frantic getting ready for church in the morning can’t it? There is an early breakfast, baths or showers, perhaps a hasty repair of some clothing or a button replaced- and your favourite skirt is still in the ironing basket! The time’s flying, the kids are fighting and as you superglue your hair into place and grab something from the freezer for dinner whilst running out the door you wonder if it is worth the trouble worshipping.
The frantic preparations have left you a bit frazzled and you know that today should be a day of rest and worship, and you guiltily realize that God has up to now been the last thing on your mind. Perhaps next week will be easier you think as you enter the church foyer.
I don’t think this scenario is an unrealistic one for those of us with a family to get ready and little time to do it in. But really with a little planning and organization during the week, it is possible to have a relaxed morning and arrive at church ready to worship and relax for the rest of the day. Because when we come to think of it, we have six days to prepare for the Sabbath- be it a Saturday or Sunday.
Over the years I have found that it helps to lay out everyone’s clothes the night before. Then there are no unpleasant surprises first thing in the morning. Another trick I found was to plan a menu for the evening meal and my favourite friend in the kitchen for cooking ahead is my crockpot. These are so safe to leave on whilst you are out and there will be a lovely meal to return to if you have cooked it the night before or you can just switch it on as you leave in the morning for a delicious evening meal. Some folks like to eat out after church or visit friends. So it is wise to plan extra meals in advance if you are hosting lunch or dinner at your home.
I also found a quick clean up and tidy of the house just before going to bed should have the home presentable for guests after church. Anything done before the day will enhance the relaxed mood of the day of rest. To prepare our hearts for worship I play songs of praise and worship as background music whilst we are getting ready. Also I pack my bag and prepare the offering envelopes before I retire the night before the Sabbath. Mothers of young children would do well to pack diaper bags the night before as well.
Anything done prior to the day of rest will be beneficial in enhancing not only relaxation after the week’s work, but will help you unwind so that the heart may prepare to worship.
This is a Biblical concept. The children of Israel had to collect a double portion of manna before the Sabbath: And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, . . . This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe: and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. (Exodus 16:22-23)
Try to plan a balance of social activities and rest on this day and keep in mind that the LORD has blessed us with a day of rest and worship for our good. How we ready ourselves for worship will either make or break us. I know what we all would prefer- let’s make an effort to make it a reality.
We will benefit in so many ways if we come prepared to worship and rest and look upon the Sabbath as a day of delight.
© Glenys Robyn Hicks
