How can we apply the principle of preparation in our own worship today? Setting the Scene from 2 Chronicles 35:6 “Slaughter the Passover lamb, consecrate yourselves, and prepare the lambs for your fellow Israelites, doing what the LORD commanded through Moses.” Josiah’s priests didn’t dash into worship unready; they paused, consecrated themselves, and carefully arranged everything so the nation could honor God exactly as He prescribed. That snapshot of deliberate readiness is a blueprint for us today. Preparation Begins with Consecration • Psalm 24:3-4 — “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” • Hebrews 10:22 — “Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us.” Action points: • Confess known sin before participating in corporate worship. • Release lingering bitterness or unforgiveness; ask the Spirit to make your heart a clean dwelling. • Remind yourself whose presence you’re entering—this stirs reverence and joy. Practical Steps Before the Gathering • Set Sunday apart on Saturday night: finish chores, lay out clothes, get adequate rest. Avoid the frantic scramble that distracts your mind. • Arrive early, not just on time. Use those few minutes to pray over the sanctuary, greet people, and settle your spirit. • Preview the Scripture or songs if your church posts them ahead. Familiarity frees you to focus on worship rather than wording. • Bring a Bible you can mark, a notebook for insights, and an offering prepared in advance (1 Corinthians 16:2). Preparing Together as One Body • In Josiah’s day the priests “prepared the lambs for your fellow Israelites.” We, too, can help others get ready: – Encourage family members on the way to church; turn off distracting media and discuss what you expect God to do. – Volunteer in greeting, children’s ministry, tech, or music—each role removes obstacles so others can meet the Lord. – Pray for your pastor and worship team during the week (Ephesians 6:19-20). Their clear proclamation benefits everyone. Guarding Our Words and Attitudes • Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 — “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God… let your words be few.” – Enter conversations at church with grace; avoid gossip or criticism that saps spiritual focus. – Speak gratitude; it tunes the heart to praise. Self-Examination at the Table • 1 Corinthians 11:28 — “Everyone ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks from the cup.” – Before communion, pause to search your motives, relationships, and faith. – Make reconciliation where needed; the Lord’s Supper loses meaning without this preparation. Living Prepared All Week • 1 Peter 1:13 — “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and set your hope fully on the grace to be given you.” Ongoing readiness shapes Sunday worship: • Maintain daily Bible intake and prayer; weekly services then become overflow, not catch-up. • Keep short accounts with God and people; the heart stays uncluttered. • Cultivate expectancy—God loves to reveal Himself to those who watch for Him. By weaving consecrated hearts, practical planning, and communal support, we echo the spirit of 2 Chronicles 35:6. The result is worship that is orderly, joyful, and wholly honoring to the Lord who deserves nothing less. |
    |