PSALM 100:4

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

TO PONDER

I can remember a time when kneeling was part of the service. Worship began with music and a hymn, usually one of thanks or praise, then as the service progressed humility and submission to God’s will was acknowledged by kneeling.

Today, we begin worship with praise and thanks giving expressed in music and song. It is our gift to God, praise is an active thing and beside singing we can play musical instruments or raise our hands. In the psalmist’s time there would have been dancing as well. Kneeling isn’t practiced as much today but the service order allows for contemplation and submission to God’s will.

If we wanted to thank and praise God for every good and gracious gift he has given us we would be singing, playing instruments and dancing all day so great is his goodness to us, his greatest gift being his son Jesus whose death set us right with God.

I love it when the last song of the service has words and a beat that makes me want to physically praise God, a song that breaks through my routine making me sing, praise and give thanks at odd times and places.

PRAYER: God of creation you are worthy of my thanks, praise and adoration at all times. You shower me with gifts, you bring me safely through all circumstances and wrap me in your love. I also have your Holy Spirit with me to strengthen my faith so that I can confidently look to being with you in eternity.  Thank you for everything you have done and will do.  Amen

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle