The Heart of Worship

Psalm 33

One of my favorite praise songs is “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord”.  It seems to be a sincere fervent plea to God to reveal himself to us so that we might worship him more completely and help others to love and trust Him more.  It embodies the words “praise music” which our church enjoys at the 8:30 Sunday service.

I remember a time when our church family was somewhat divided about having two morning services; one contemporary and one traditional with variations in dress, format and music style.  Looking back on that time in the life of our church family, it seems so unimportant now as long as we worship our Sovereign God and recognize “whose” we are.

It brings me to this Psalm that the author uses to exclaim God’s omnipotence and worthiness of our praise, adoration and trust.  It reminds us to convey that to those around us.  It causes me to think more about our purpose of coming together on Sundays at our worship services or anytime we meet together to study His word or conduct the business of the church working in the world.

Maybe it is time to “get back to the heart of worship” to quote another praise hymn and ask ourselves what it truly means to worship God in this place.  It may mean asking of ourselves how to serve others instead of ourselves.

Central United Methodist Church has a rich history of loving God and offering that love to others.  It shines as a beacon in the heart of a small southern town and says to those who see it that the Jesus one sees as a shepherd in our stained glass windows is God’s son and our Savior.  His love is present in this place.  In Psalms 33:18 the psalmist says the eyes of the Lord are watching over those who fear him, who rely upon His steady love.

Let us seek to nurture each other in this place so that future generations will also honor the heritage of Central Church.

Written by Anne Wray