Lake Deaton at Home

Scripture: “…and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10

Devotion: Growing up as a PK (Preacher’s Kid), we were in church all the time. I still remember though, our special week-long evangelistic campaigns—that meant we had church every single night for a whole week. For a teenager this was not very exciting! Usually these campaigns took place during Holy Week as we made our way towards Easter. I dreaded that week with long sermons every single night (my dad was the preacher)! As I got older, I would be part of those services singing in the choir, praying, greeting or doing whatever was needed. I find myself asking the question, was what we did at those services  worship? I think sometimes we might be confused with the word “worship.” Sometimes we use that word to refer to the different music we like during church. We often hear people say, “I like the traditional worship,” or “I like the contemporary worship.” Others, use that word, “worship” to refer to the one hour a week when they enter the sanctuary and do things such as hear the pastor, listen to songs and read scripture – one hour every week. Is that worship?

I have come to believe that “worship” is something that we do 24/7. As we become transformed into disciples, we are clothed in an attitude of worship at all times. In my waking up, my running errands, my conversation with friends, in everything I do, I live out passionate worship of my King. I wonder what would happen if we began to view passionate worship not as something we begin and finish, but as something that we do always. I walk in worship. I live in worship. That kind of worship, a worship in spirit and in truth, is only possible through the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.

One of my favorite scripture verses is the one in Revelation where a “great multitude” in every language will worship the King. I think the opportunity of passionate worship now is but a rehearsal of true worship one day at the feet of our King. I invite you to passionately engage in living a worshipful life today.

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, how do you define “worship”?
2. When was the last time that you experienced “passionate worship”?
3. How do you spiritually prepare yourself to worship with others?

Closing Prayer: Lord God, we worship you today. You are the one true God. We worship you for you are eternal, creator of all things. We worship you for you are a God of love and grace. Today, help me walk in an attitude of worship as I receive and dwell in the abundance of your grace. Amen!