Practical Suggestions for preparation before public worship

(1) Think about God’s glorious, perfect character – for instance his majesty, wisdom, power, grace, goodness and mercy.

(2) Humble yourself before the Lord by confessing sinful attitudes, such as indifference to God, luke-warmness to him, lack of love, lack of zeal, pride, bitterness, anger.

(3) Ask God to give you a spirit of worship, praise, thanksgiving and a whole-hearted focus on him.

(4) Pray for others as they prepare. Thank God for the other members of Christ’s body, and for the privilege of worship and fellowship together.

(5) Pray for the preaching to be faithful to God, and that your ears would be ready to hear and obey God’s word.

(6) Pray for others involved in leading the meeting, that their readings and prayers will bring glory and praise to God. Pray for the children’s programmes and staff to minister the word of God faithfully.

(7) Ask God to give you a spirit of love, care service, encouragement, affection and humility toward others in the body. Ask God to give our whole church a spirit of love for new people that we might welcome them to our fellowship and to the Lord.