We are currently exploring a number of “practices” that give practical shape to what it means to be in right relationship with God, with one another and with our neighbour. Today, we will look at the practice of “corporate worship.”
Psalm 122 is a psalm that was sung by the people of Israel as they journeyed to Jerusalem for one of the yearly festivals of their faith. Eugene Peterson says that it functions as “the song of a person who decides to go to church and worship God.” As such, it has much to say about why going to church matters. In the psalm, we find God’s people joyfully anticipating a time when they will gather together in a specific place to praise Him and be refocused on the true life of peace (shalom) He defines. In doing so, they will remember that this peace is not theirs to hoard, but “for the sake of their brothers and friends.” (v. 8). Far from a required and dreary religious ritual, there is a vision here of a gathering of God’s people that was core to the vitality of their faith.
Apply
- Why do you go to church? How does this psalm affirm, broaden, or even challenge the reasons you go to church?
- Ask God to work in your heart and in the hearts of all who will be attending our services on-line or in person today
- Pray that those who are new to the church will be welcomed and find meaningful relationships
Pray
- Pray that those who are new to the church will be welcomed and find meaningful relationships
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Pastor, Jerilyn Bayer
- Pray for the Children’s Ministry Associate, Annette Faszer, and for the Children’s Ministry Assistants: Abigail, Amelia, Blythe, Clarissa, Domina, Jenna, Sarah, and Sunita