Preparation is a part of life. Most things we do require some preparation. You may love it or hate it, but you can’t escape it. We prepare for each day by getting up and ready. There’s preparation involved with school, work, sports, vacations, cooking, and hobbies. Preparation is everywhere.
We all have heard the story of the lumberjacks that were in a contest to see who could chop the most wood in a certain amount of time. The winner won because he took time to prepare his axe, and was thus able to chop more wood in less time.
The Random House Unabridged Dictionary defines preparation as “a proceeding, measure, or provision by which one prepares for something.” Basically, it means “getting ready.” I’ve discovered, though, that preparation is largely second nature. We don’t give it much thought. It just happens, which means that we can fall into a pattern of overlooking important times of preparation that might not come naturally.
I wonder how often we give thought to preparation for worship.
Preparation is actually a biblical concept. The day before the Sabbath was known as a day of preparation. The Israelites did all they needed to do in order to enjoy and benefit from the Sabbath fully. I believe that we view and treat our “Sabbath” very differently, and in the process have lost the value of preparing to meet God.
We all long to have significant encounters with God like in the Bible, but often we expect it to “just happen.” What I’m learning, though, is that God is always ready to meet us, but we are not always ready to meet Him. I see that all around me, including in my own life. I’m also learning that meaningful time with God doesn’t “just happen” – it takes preparation.
So, how do we prepare after a busy week of work and meetings, a full Saturday of activities, sleeping as late as possible on Sunday mornings, and then rushing to get ourselves and our family ready, out the door, and to church on time? I’m not sure I can tell you how to make time in life, but I can offer some questions that might guide a time of intentional preparation.
Adapted from the book Reinventing Sunday (Amazon affiliate link), these questions are a way to focus our heart and mind in preparation for worship on Sunday:
• Am I beginning this journey with an open heart? In what way?
• Is there part of me that has closed the door to God right now? Which part?
• Do I fear encountering God in any way? Can I name those fears?
• Is there a door that needs to be opened so that I can experience worship more fully?
• Is there someone in my faith community who has hurt me? Does that relationship need to be reconciled?
• Is there someone I have hurt? Do I need to ask for forgiveness
Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. (Psalm 24:3-4)
Choosing to recognize and respond to God is a personal choice. It’s not a choice that should be made based on what is happening around you. It’s easy to overlook preparation and to fall into patterns that you’re used to, patterns that depend on previous experience and existing skills. To be honest, I find that true in my own life. Sometimes in the routine I find myself depending on me and not on God, and then wondering what happened. I don’t ever want to miss what God has for me because I didn’t take time to prepare.
For Discussion:
How do you prepare for times of worship and meeting with God?
