In what ways can we prepare our hearts for worship like in Luke 22:13? Setting the Scene “ So they went and found it just as He had told them, and they prepared the Passover.” (Luke 22:13) Jesus gave clear instructions. The two disciples trusted His word, acted promptly, and got everything ready for the sacred meal. Observing the Disciples’ Example • Confidence in Christ’s word—no second-guessing • Immediate, practical obedience • Attention to detail; nothing haphazard • Anticipation of fellowship with the Lord • Cooperative effort—preparing together Practical Ways We Prepare Today • Draw near to Scripture ahead of gathering – Read the passage to be preached or sung – Meditate on God’s character revealed there • Confess and forsake sin – Ask the Spirit to spotlight hidden attitudes – Receive cleansing through 1 John 1:9 • Surrender the schedule – Arrive early, silence the phone, finish chores beforehand – Guard Saturday night so Sunday dawns unhurried • Set out tangible aids – Bible, notebook, offering, communion elements if at home – Remove visual and mental clutter • Cultivate expectancy – Recall past faithfulness: “He will meet us again” – Pray during the week for leaders, musicians, congregation • Seek unity – Reconcile strained relationships (Matthew 5:23-24) – Commit to serve others, not merely consume • Engage the family – Read the text together, explain its meaning to children – Explain why worship matters and what to watch for • Keep a thankful mindset – List mercies from the week – Turn worries into reasons for praise (Philippians 4:6-7) Scripture to Reinforce These Steps • 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.” • Ecclesiastes 5:1—“Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.” • Romans 12:1—Present your bodies “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • 1 Corinthians 11:28—“Each one must examine himself” before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. • Psalm 139:23-24—“Search me, O God, and know my heart…” Closing Encouragement The disciples discovered everything exactly as Jesus promised, and their careful preparations opened the way for intimate fellowship at the Last Supper. Whenever we handle worship with the same trust, thoroughness, and expectation, we too experience the joy of meeting the Lord “just as He has told us.” |
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