THIS IS THE WAY

SCRIPTURE: Psalm122

VERSE FOR TODAY: I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122:2 New American Standard Bible).

HYMN FOR TODAY: "Come We That Love the Lord"

Do you remember this little chorus? This is the way we go to church, go to church, go to church. This is the way we go to church, so early Sunday morning." It was an effort by zealous parents to create in our hearts some zest and joy about getting into the positive habit of regularly attending Sunday school and worship services.

People approach worship in differing ways with differing attitudes. Some go out of a sense of duty and obligation. Others go out of mere habit. Some go to be seen not so much by God as by men. Some go because of curiosity. Some even go begrudgingly because a parent or a spouse has made them feel guilty. How and why do we "go to church?"

The psalmist sang "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!"' As we read elsewhere in the book of Psalms, we see how the people of God approached praise and adoration of the Creator: "I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven" (Psalm 123:1); "Praise the name of the Lord" (Psalm 122:4); and "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1). Let's strive to approach our times of worship with joy and anticipation, praise and adoration.

PRAYER THOUGHTS: Lord, we long to gather with Your people to worship and praise You. We are glad to be in Your house exalting Your Holy name. Amen.