How can we personally prepare for worship in a way that allows the Holy Spirit to have full reign and control over us as individual worshipers and as a congregation of believers?  Our journey towards worship begins with sincere confession, acknowledging the holiness of God, and recognizing how sin hinders our interaction with Him.   Acts 3:19 urges us: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  Confession and repentance open the door for restoration, forgiveness, and refreshment from the Spirit of God.

Approach

As we approach the presence of God, we find ourselves echoing the sentiments of Isaiah, humbled by His majesty and convicted of our own unworthiness:  “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:5)

Still trying to figure out how to begin?  We can draw from the words of scripture to help us articulate our time of confession.  We can use the words of David as our own:  “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.”  (Psalm 51:1-4)

We can follow these words with our heartfelt words of confession, asking the Holy Spirit to bring to mind ways that we have fallen short in our words, thoughts, and actions.

As a result, we can be confident that when we confess and repent, God will forgive and cleanse us!

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
(1 John 1:9)

Assured by this promise, as we trust in God’s faithfulness to forgive and cleanse us, we are positioned to receive God’s Word and offer authentic worship in His presence.

What is our commitment?

Let us commit to regularly engaging in confession and repentance as an integral part of our worship preparation, acknowledging our dependence on God’s mercy and grace.  In doing so, we open ourselves to encounter the boundless love and mercy of our Savior, who welcomes us with open arms into His presence.