Preparing for Worship – katyandtheword

Preparing the family doesn’t look the same. I no longer have to dress my kids up–which ironically they love to be dressed up because it elicits so much positive attention. We can go to church in our pajamas now.

Instead of the Panera bribe, I mean stop, we make every Sunday like clockwork for the last 6 plus years (before that we hadn’t committed but still went out for breakfast), we eat piecemeal at home. Now I just buy the ultra sweet supermarket muffins and make some chai pods for the morning. We may even still be eating them during worship.

Instead of hauling all of the kids to the car, usually one is still half asleep and the other two are bickering, we bicker at home and argue over whether or not we can use electronics before church (no)

During worship, attention is scarce, wiggling is paramount, and we try to get my eldest to be responsive. The music is also just not the same. We miss singing together with the booming organ overwhelming our flubs.

But, it’s still time for Dad and the boys to sit together. It’s still the time we are a family. I’m still “leading” up front and the boys are watching/listening/imagining/being bored.

Lord help us to practice worship as a family in whatever way we can, we pray. Amen

Preparing for Worship 1

Pandemic Prayers & Resources

Lord, these days preparing for worship looks different.

I no longer prep the sanctuary, or listen to the choir rehearsing, or spend moments in my office opening myself to the Holy Spirit.

I don’t look around for the people in the halls and the pews, trying to greet them all by name.

These days, I wash my hands thoroughly and solemnly put on a mask, fully aware that my signature smile is hidden.

I place the video and sound equipment around me, making sure everyone can see and hear what is going on.

I put on gloves before I hand the order of worship to anyone, and make certain there are more than six feet between myself and the musicians.

And whenever I do all of this, I think of God. I think of my hope to serve. I think of my congregation and how much I miss them.

And I feel your blessing, as these movements of 6 plus weeks, have become a ritual of love and care and preparation.

Then I take a deep breath, like I always do, in every setting, send a quick prayer up to the Holy Spirit, and begin….

Thank you God for teaching me new ways to prepare for worship. Amen.

Preparing for Worship 2 Family Edition

Pandemic Prayers & Resources