In what ways can we "bless the LORD" in the congregation today? Reading the Key Verse Psalm 26:12: “My feet stand on level ground; in the congregations I will bless the LORD.” What It Means to “Bless the LORD” • The Hebrew word for “bless” (bāraḵ) speaks of kneeling in adoration, praising, and speaking well of God’s character and works (Psalm 103:1–2). • While God blesses us by giving, we bless Him by gladly declaring His greatness, agreeing with His Word, and aligning our lives with His will (Psalm 34:1; Luke 1:46–48). • The setting is corporate: “in the congregations.” Our public gatherings are a God-ordained platform for unified praise (Hebrews 10:25). Practical Ways to Bless the LORD in Today’s Congregation Corporate Worship • Sing truth-filled songs together. “Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). • Lift hands or bow in reverence (Psalm 134:2). • Declare responsive readings of Scripture to focus every heart on Him (Nehemiah 8:5-6). Scripture Proclamation • Give the public reading of the Word priority (1 Timothy 4:13). • Preach and teach faithfully, exalting Christ rather than personalities (2 Timothy 4:2; Acts 2:42). • Encourage memorization and corporate recitation of key passages (Colossians 3:16). United Prayer • Offer adoration before asking petitions (Matthew 6:9). • Incorporate seasons of congregational prayer, uniting voices in agreement (Acts 4:24). • Invite the body to voice short prayers of thanksgiving, magnifying specific attributes of God. Testimonies of God’s Works • Schedule moments for believers to share answered prayers and salvation stories (Psalm 22:22; Revelation 12:11). • Keep the spotlight on God’s faithfulness, stirring fresh praise among hearers. Thankful Giving • Present offerings as worship, acknowledging that every resource comes from Him (1 Chronicles 29:10-14; 2 Corinthians 9:12-13). • Celebrate opportunities to fund gospel advance and care for those in need (Acts 4:34-35). Acts of Service Within the Body • Encourage members to use spiritual gifts to build one another up (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Honor unseen roles—sound techs, nursery workers, greeters—as vital expressions of blessing the LORD through serving His people (Matthew 25:40). Pursuit of Unity and Forgiveness • Guard the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:1-3). • Settle conflicts quickly so nothing hinders collective praise (Matthew 5:23-24). • Rejoice over reconciliations, giving visible testimony to the gospel’s power (John 13:35). Obedient Living Beyond the Meeting • Offer lives of holiness that confirm Sunday’s songs (Romans 12:1-2). • “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15)—at work, school, and home. • Return each week eager to report fresh evidences of God’s grace (Psalm 40:9-10). Living It Out Together Blessing the LORD in the congregation is not limited to a worship set; it is the shared rhythm of singing, speaking, serving, and sacrificing so that every gathered heart sees and says, “The LORD is worthy.” May our assemblies echo David’s resolve: “In the congregations I will bless the LORD.” |
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