Text –Amos 4:12- "Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel."
There are two common errors that people make while preparing for corporate worship service – preparing as a spectator and preparing as a worker.
Those who prepare as a spectator just prepare to go and enjoy the ‘show’, while those who prepare as workers prepare to run the ‘show’. The right approach to preparing for corporate worship service is to prepare as a participant – to be a part of the ‘show’
The ‘show’ in the above context refers to the move of God, and the workings of the Holy Spirit.
In the past few days, we have examined four ways to prepare for corporate worship service. Today, we’ll round off with the last three:
5. PAY ATTENTION TO INSTRUCTIONS
One way to prepare for an encounter with God is to review your previous instructions, and be attentive to the Holy Spirit for new instructions.
Don’t go before God while you are still have outstanding instructions, whether given to you personally or to the church corporately. Proverbs 23:12 says, “Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge”.
6. DEAL WITH OFFENSES
Mark 5:23-24 says, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remember that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
This implies that you must settle all quarrels, offences and grudges before you approach God’s presence. It is essential!
7. PRAY AHEAD
John 16:24 says, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full”. If you will enjoy the fullness of God’s presence and power, you must pray ahead.
The place of prayer cannot be overemphasized… Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I want to encounter you afresh every time I appear before your presence. Help me not to be careless in my preparation for, and participation in your presence in Jesus Name.
Image Credit: mbbe.org