A PRACTICE OF PREPARATION FOR WHEN WE GATHER FOR WORSHIP

by Gordon L. Fuglie

Some 15 years ago, I learned of the Christian renewal organization called Renovaré. It was founded in 1988 by Richard J. Foster, the author of the modern spiritual classic, Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth, and numerous other formational publications. Today Renovaré is a national nonprofit “that models, resources, and advocates fullness of life with God experienced, by grace, through the spiritual practices of Jesus and of the historical Church.” (See renovare.org.)

I periodically receive resource mailings from Renovaré. Last year I was intrigued by a booklet authored by its president Ted Harro. It questioned our frame of mind when we approach our worship gatherings: “When we come to a worship gathering... Do we show up ready to receive, show up expecting God to move, show up ready to respond to that movement?”

Harro laid out four movements to help us prepare to be in God’s presence with our fellow Jesus followers. 

Start by being intentional in advance. However you schedule your life—calendar app, scraps of paper, old school Daytimer— make a reminder for yourself to engage in the following Practice of Preparation upon waking on the day of your Sunday worship, prayer group, Bible study, or church council.

MOVEMENT ONE

As you wake up… Welcome the Light of God’s presence into your entire being. Pray aloud—perhaps whisper—“Lord, take all of me.”

MOVEMENT TWO

On your way to the gathering... Picture the physical place. Ask God to surround and fill this space.

MOVEMENT THREE

Upon arrival and as you come into the presence of others… Imagine God’s Light—the Light that you encountered at daybreak— radiating outward to everyone you greet. Look around attentively.

Pray for one person you know very well. Your will be done, Lord.

Pray for one person you don’t know as well. Your will be done, Lord.

Pray for one person serving. Your will be done, Lord.

MOVEMENT FOUR

At the end of the service... Experience God’s smile toward you like the rays of the sun. Thereafter, should anyone ask you, “How was church?” simply respond, “Wonderful!”