Why we need the Call to Worship

Zac Hicks shares why we need the Call to Worship over at his blog... (read that here)


Here is one of the reasons he gives...


All throughout the week, we find ourselves tossed about in the “sub-reality” of sin and brokenness.  In a sense, we can forget God.  We can forget His promises to us in Christ.  We can forget who we are.  We can forget that we’re designed for union and communion with our Maker.  And this forgetfulness allows us to worship lesser things—people, money, possessions, prestige, the “perfect life.”  The Call to Worship is a jolt back into reality.  It is a bucket of cold water on our world-induced trance.  In the Call to Worship, we once again remember, “Yes, this is who I am; this is what I’m called to do!  I am a son/daughter of God Most High, and in Christ, I am His holy temple, His servant, His worshiper, His friend, His Bride, His possession, His love.

A Prayer about the Worship for Which God Longs

Here is a prayer from Scotty Smith concerning "the worship for which God longs"...

     I hate, I despise your feasts, and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; and the peace offerings of your fattened animals, I will not look upon them. Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Amos 5:21-24

     Dear heavenly Father, you sure don’t mince any words in this text; it’s startling, actually. But you never get in our face except to drive us into more of the riches of your grace. Such is the beauty of the relationship you’ve established with us in Jesus. Such is the purpose of your “life-giving rebukes” (Prov. 15:31). There’s no condemnation left for us in Christ, but there is plenty of convicting work to be done by your Holy Spirit!

     Meditating on this Scripture leads me to these conclusions, convictions, and petitions. First and foremost, it’s quite possible for us to thoroughly enjoy a service of worship—the liturgy, the Lord’s Supper, the music—and yet the same service might actually grieve you. Conversely, there are probably services we exit bored, critical, and “uninspired,” and yet, in these services, you may find great delight and pleasure.

     Forgive me when I make my experience the measure of the acceptability of your worship. How arrogant of me. It’s not a scorecard I should take into a service, but a broken and contrite heart—in need of your grace and hungry for your glory.

     Father, it’s also obvious that “justice rolling like a river” and “righteousness flowing like a never-failing stream” is music in your ears. These are the kind of “praise songs” you really enjoy—the hymnody for which you long. Your worship is never just about a “set list”, but a changed people.

     Forgive me when the new song of the gospel does not lead me to a new life of caring for others. Forgive me when the satisfaction of being in your presence does not lead me to the sacrifice of serving in the community. Forgive me when I can be just as disconnected and merciless as the priest or the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan; men who enjoyed your real presence and then proceeded to ignore real need (Luke 10:25-37).

     Lord Jesus, you are the quintessential Good Samaritan, who constantly comes to us with new mercies and endless grace. When you first revealed the gospel to me, I wasn’t beaten and broken alongside the road; I was running from you as fast as I could.

     I know God and worship God only because you first cared for me, served me, loved me by giving your life for me. I praise you for making this rebel, fool and idolater a beloved child and worshiper of God. Continue to make of me a humble, grateful, joyful worship servant. So very Amen I pray, to your glory and by your grace.

First Aid app from the "American Red Cross"

If you have an Android phone... this looks like a great app to have. Download from the Google Play Store free. 

Description...

Accidents happen. The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. 

Get the app and be prepared for what life brings. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid. 

Features:
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· Fully integrated with 9-1-1 so you can call EMS from the app at any time. 

· Videos and animations make learning first aid fun and easy. 

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Interactive quizzes allow you to earn badges that you can share with your friends and show off your lifesaving knowledge.The app is ad-free and spam free.