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As I was walking my dog in the Heritage Forest the other day, God brought to my mind a wonderful verse from the Psalms, O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. There was such a lovely quiet serenity about the woods that it was easy to let my soul sing to the Lord.  When I got home, I wanted to pursue this verse and consider it in context so I found it in my bible, Psalms 96:9a (thank you Google). 

Further study led me to its precursor in 1 Chronicles 16:29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering and come before Him; Worship the Lord in holy array.  

I was intrigued to discover that these are verses that have to do with HOW we worship, not where.  Though they may aid our attitude of worship, neither a majestic forest, beautiful architecture or physical trappings are what God asks for – He regards only the spiritual beauty of our inner selves.  This is our “holy array”, our pure apparel.   For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16: 7b) 

Before entering the presence of God in worship, it is first necessary to make our hearts ready - to confess our sins and ask forgiveness for them and the purity granted to us by God, according to his promises, allows us to stand before Him in worship and praise.  

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Create in me a pure heart, O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10)

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Hebrews 10:22)  

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)  

Worship provides the opportunity to dwell on the greatness and glory of God the Father.  When worshiping we express our gratitude, love and awe to the One who is supremely worthy to receive these acknowledgements.   

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou has created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)

As we give our attention to God’s worthiness and His actions in the world and in our personal lives, our experience of God expands.  The goodness of God enters our minds and our hearts, strengthening our faith and bringing us closer to Him. Spending time with God this way helps our lives to become more and more God-centred.   In very practical terms, we might focus our worship on the life of Jesus - from His divine birth, His earthly words and actions, His trial and death on the cross, His miraculous resurrection from the dead, His ascension to heaven and promise to return.  There is so much here to praise and thank God for - this is a worship that will never be finished; it is enough to keep daily worship time full for a lifetime. 

Today my choice for a song of worship is a special favourite, How Great Thou Art.  Take a few moments to listen to it here in a traditional form by Vocal Majority

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJiHqbe3bLA

  or here in a more contemporary style by Chris Rice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cc0QVWzCv9k