Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. Psalm 149:1-5 (NIV)
Dear heavenly Father, on this new Lord’s Day, we thank you for the privilege of corporate worship—the calling you have given us to gather to make merry and worship you for every good thing we have in Christ. May the truth of the gospel capture our minds, the beauty of Jesus fill our hearts, and the power of the Spirit energize our praise.
As our Maker, you created us to live by the strength of your joy; as our King, your reign of grace frees us from our fears and gloom; as our Redeemer, it’s your great delight in us that liberates us to find our greatest delight in you. There is no God like you—abounding in compassion, generous in mercy, and overflowing with love.
We desire to give you the worship of which you are worthy, not simply the worship that makes us comfortable. If our feet remain still, at least give us dancing hearts; if there’s no timbrel and harp to take up, at least cause our spirits to soar heavenward, with unabated gladness and thanksgiving.
You are seeking true worshipers, Father; may we be found, this Lord’s Day, worshiping you in Spirit and in truth. As we exalt Jesus, so draw our hearts and the nations to yourself. So very Amen we pray, in the righteousness of faith, for the glory of Jesus.