Not too long ago, I attended a worship service that was outside of my “comfort zone.”  I knew that going in. It began with about 30 minutes of singing, mostly songs I didn’t know, with the leaders encouraging everyone to raise their hands and sing along and trying to build excitement. I thought it was a bit like the “hype men” trying to get a concert the crowd worked up before the main attraction comes out.

This was followed by announcements and the offering and then the sermon/teaching portion of the service. They were wrapping up a series on “Building the Church.” The pastor did a good job of engaging the people. He pointed them to a lot of Scripture and focused on the need for Evangelism, telling others about Jesus, the need to keep others out of hell by sharing the Good News we have.

There was a lot I didn’t like about the service. I could focus on that, which is something I have done in the past and heard others do as well. But I chose to focus on what was good. These people know Jesus as their Savior. They were kind and welcoming and loving. They want other people to know about Jesus too. They were focusing on what the Bible says and the pastor kept encouraging everyone to be more in the Word.

I had a good attitude that morning because I woke up with that day with the words of an old hymn going through my head.

Lord, open Thou my heart to hear
And through Thy Word to me draw near;
Let me Thy Word e’er pure retain,
Let me Thy child and heir remain.

Thy Word doth deeply move the heart,
Thy Word doth perfect health impart,
Thy Word my soul with joy doth bless,
Thy Word brings peace and happiness.

To God, the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, Three in One,
Shall glory, praise and honor be
Now and throughout eternity.

The Lutheran Hymnal, #5

What attitude do you take with you when you go to worship?