Deacon Victor Parrott
Psalm 122:1 (NRSV)

¹I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”

Worship Wherever and Whenever 

Worshipping in the house of the Lord can be a powerful and uplifting phenomenon. For that reason, Sunday mornings are filled with excitement and anticipation. Experience has taught that the Lord might grant a blessing through a song, sermon or prayer. The blessing may even come through the kind word or act of another worshipper. Congregational worship is great, but personal worship serves a purpose as well.

Although the presence of other worshippers during congregational worship can be encouraging, there are times when private worship is appropriate and more liberating. Worshipping at home instead of the church house is one alternative. It allows more freedom and flexibility. Service starts when the Spirit moves. There is no reason to be self-conscious or to fear judgment. You can sing your song as well or as poorly as you like. You can pray your prayers without regard to who’s listening. And when you leave your house, your life can be a sermon.

Don’t be mistaken. This is not an “either/or” proposition. It is a “both/and” imperative. In fact, there are instances in the Bible where the people of Israel demonstrated that worship can occur anywhere and at anytime. Worship is not restricted to a specific location, but is appropriate wherever the Lord is, which is everywhere. Worship at church! Worship at home! Worship in your car! Worship at your desk! Just worship!

Prayer 

Lord God Almighty, we praise and we worship You always and everywhere because you are worthy. Amen.

Thought for the day 

Worship wherever you are.