It is good to close your eyes while praying in the sanctuary, or congregation, whether by yourself or publicly.
During church service, while prayer was taking place, this past Sunday at church, my eyes were open observing the congregants. I noticed a young man texting on his phone. Several people were in a conversation. I noticed a frowning woman, her hands akimbo, with her back turned to the pulpit, where the moderator was praying. Her posture was a distraction to me, as I thought to myself, what on earth is this.
Worship,praise and prayer ushers us into the presence of our Majesty and King, God, the most sovereign being in the entire universe. He is due our respect and awe.
So, during the prayers it is important to stand with respect, as we often do while the national anthem is being played.
I had to remind myself that if my eyes were closed and I was in deep meditation, praise and prayers I would have remained focused on the Lord, and not have been distracted by what was happening around me.
Many different types of people attend church services however, for a true child of God, acknowledgement of His presence is priority.
I recall one Sunday during worship service while my hands were lifted up in praise and worship, a brother outside the church window called me out. I assumed that my vehicle was blocking someone, so I went outside to move the vehicle. As I walked out the back door, the same brother began begging me for money. I became annoyed as divine worship service is very important to me, and this matter could have waited until service ended.
We can grieve the Holy spirit by disrespecting the praise and worship that belongs to the Almighty God.
Our Lord and Saviour can become far removed from our thoughts as the issues and challenges of life overwhelm us. However, this is no excuse. We all must respect and honour our father and creator, the living God.
Growing up in church, I learnt from early that "reverential awe," is the fear of God. Fearing God does not mean that you are afraid of Him.
Reverence is profound respect and love for our sovereign Creator.
Our heart and consciousness must flow with purity towards God. “'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength."
( Mark 12:30)
honor Him, express your gratitude to Him, and obey His commandments. You should be reverent in your behavior as well as your attitude.
The attitude of Jesus should become the attitude of the believer.
Regardless of our circumstances and situation in life, good manners never go on vacation or take a holiday and the case is similar in church services as we revere and worship God.
When I was a child I act and think as a child however when I became an adult I put away childish things.
Dear Lord Jesus, please remind us of the place, and whose presence we are in. When we have a respectful attitude toward you God, your blessings will be visible in our lives.
Marcel and Jacqueline Bruff
@walkgoodinchrist
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