Ways to Invest in Worship

So many people talk about not getting anything out of worship. The usual response is that a person only benefits from worship in proportion to the amount of effort he/she puts into. Also, many people love the idea of “investment”—They put “sweat equity” into their house and save for their children’s education. It is just as prudent to “invest” in worship so that you will benefit from it, as well as giving proper glory and honor to God. Here are some practical ways to invest:

• Learn to sing. Ask a song leader or someone who sings well to help you.
• Buy a CD or cassette tape of a good a cappella singing group and sing along with them as you drive or work.
• Sing out during worship.
• Think of others as you sing—find someone in the crowd to focus on as you teach and admonish (Colossians 3:16).
• Think of how each song applies to YOU.
• As someone leads a prayer, follow the words and individualize the prayer—think of specific blessings you have, specific friends who are ill, in need, or grieving.
• Follow the prayer through so at the end you can truly say, “Amen.” (Which means, “May it ever be so!”)
• Do a personal study of the subject of crucifixion and draw upon your knowledge each week, during the Lord’s Supper, as you think of the agony Jesus went through for you.
• Also during the Lord’s Supper, think of the wonderful blessing you have as results of Jesus sacrifice. Also, anticipate the glorious return of our Savior.
• During the sermon, try to connect with the main idea of the preacher and follow along in your Bible as he reads or quotes.
• Make notes, either in a notebook, on a sheet of paper, or in the margins of your Bible.
• When it comes time to give as you have been prospered, think first of all the many physical blessings you have from the Giver of every good gift (James 1:17). Then, give bountifully.

Yes, what you “get out of worship” depends on what you decide to invest. Invest wisely.