A few cars were scattered in the parking lot. As I entered the building, I saw a few people chatting quietly while a couple of others looked at information tables in the lobby. I could hear a few bars of music as I neared the auditorium doors.
A half dozen people were seated in the auditorium as the musicians warmed up. Grandpas attentively followed as the transition was made from one song to another. A young mother held her infant as she sang, and another sat nearby. A young man, barely past high school, played his instrument with skill. Others added their voices as the intensity built.
Though the service had not begun, my heart was warmed.
The musicians were not practicing; they were worshiping! The invitation to join in worship was vibrant, urgent. I could not remain silent.
Instrumentalists led, voices joined the praise, and we were reminded by example that our God is real, he is present, he is worthy of all praise! We had come together as the community of the redeemed to meet with God together.
Before a public prayer was offered, before an announcement was made, before a text had been opened or an offering was given, our hearts were united in praise and awe before our Creator and Redeemer. We had come to meet our God!
Psalm 92:1-2 declares: “It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.”
Psalm 149:1 “Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints.”
Private praise has a valuable place in our lives, but what a joy it is to praise God together with those who love Him. “O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together!” (Psalm 34:3)
Father, we love you and rejoice in the opportunity to praise your name. Thanks for placing us into your family and for calling us to praise you together. May our praise be sweet in your ears this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Throughout this Day: Who could you gather with this week to praise God – together? Perhaps it would be through song, through sharing stories of God’s faithfulness, or through reading psalms of praise or thanksgiving. If you are unable to gather in person, you might consider phoning a friend to praise God together in prayer.
Photo Credit: John Price on Unsplash