In the House of the Lord
Opening Prayer
Thank God for those with whom we are able to join in worship. Pray that your corporate worship will please God.
Read PSALM 134:1-3
[1] A song of ascents. Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night in the house of the LORD. [2] Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD. [3] May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the dominant theme of this short psalm?This psalm is one of the Psalms of Ascent, probably sung by pilgrims going up to the temple in Jerusalem. It is a call to worship: as we meet together we can encourage each other to praise God (1) as we share our joys and blessings.
The psalm, though, is not just a call to worship, it is also a blessing (3). As we meet we should be a blessing to each other. There are times when we need to come and receive from others; there are times when we are able to give, and be a blessing to others. “Carry each other’s burdens,” Paul tells us, “and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). Church, like family, works best when every member is willing to give as well as receive blessings. Do you have those experiences in your corporate worship?
In our readings from 2 Samuel we have seen how David as king was a blessing to his people, but sometimes he needed their support to see him through the hard times. God has called us together to be his people, and to give each other the support each one of us needs.
Apply
How have you been blessed by your church recently? Can you be a blessing to someone in your church this week?
Closing prayer
Lord, I thank You for worship with my sisters and brothers of our church. May I bless them even as they bless me.
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