Getting Prepared to Worship

Since you watched that late movie last night, you yawn your way through Sunday School, and get enough energy mustered to sing along with the church choir. You think about what you will eat for lunch, because it's all you can do to stay awake. You made it. You stayed awake through the whole service! What was it about? You have no idea, but at least you stayed awake and looked like you took part. That's the main thing, right?

I believe all of us, no matter how good our intentions, have related to at least one of these scenarios. Whether it's being very sleepy, unfocused, or just plain not caring through the Sunday service. If you are like me, you WANT to be in the worshipful mood. Sunday is a time for fellowship with believers, hearing God's word, and getting into some heartfelt worship. Worship can only happen when our hearts and souls are prepared to receive what God has for us, be pricked to change, and make a decision to do what God would have us to. This can't happen if the rest of our body isn't ready for worship. Here are some ways to get ready for Sunday morning worship.

Go to Bed Early on Saturday

Do your late night movie on Friday night, and go to bed at a decent time on Saturday night. If you stay up late, you will be sleepy the next morning. Seems like a no-brainer, but being in youth ministry, being up late the night before is the number one excuse for sleeping during service, or at times not coming. Go to bed early, and set an alarm. Be intentional.

Wake up Early on Sunday

You would think this would hinder the 'not being sleepy' advice I just gave, but actually, if you get up at a decent time, and not 15 minutes before you need to head out (okay, if you have kids they will wake you up in plenty of time anyway!), your mind will be more focused and less stressed. It also gives you time to fully wake up, and do what I suggest next:

Listen to Worship Music, or Sermon

Why not get your mind into a worshipful mood before you get to church. I love to turn on music while I get ready for service. My husband and I also watch First Baptist Bossier on channel 3 on Sunday mornings. It's amazing how much it helps me stay focused in my own church service! If 

Bible reading, or listening to podcasts help you more, then by all means make that your 'ease into worship' move. 

Eat Breakfast

Nothing like thinking about food while you are supposed to be thinking about lost souls, or perhaps your stomach doing it's own musical number and distracting the youngsters on your pew. Eat something, even if it's small, so that you and your stomach can make it through the service. 

Once you are at church, be sure and take full opportunity of your classes, music, and sermon to help you focus and be ready for when God calls you to action. If He is calling to change your life, change other's lives, or perhaps to simply be even closer to Him, you want to be ready! 

What are some ways you get your heart and body ready for church?