Worship

Scripture

I had one of the most profound spiritual experiences of my life about 15 years ago in New Orleans. I know what you’re thinking and no it was not on bourbon street. For years my family had been going to New Orleans, having grown up there and with family still living in the area. We did many of the same things each time we went and one of those was visiting St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson square near the French Quarter. It is the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the country.

Growing up in a lively Baptist church where rarely were there large moments of silence, going into a Catholic cathedral where no one said a word was a stark contrast to what I was used to. This had been a place that I’d been before but this one time was different. I experienced an overwhelming presence of the Holy Spirit in that place in the still and quiet of the cathedral. I remember just sitting there and the spirit speaking to me in that moment: “you can still experience me without music, songs, and preaching”. It’s an experience I’ll never forget and reminds me of what Solomon says in Ecclesiastes Chapter 5:1-2. “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.”

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with our music, the songs we sing, or the voice of a preacher giving a sermon. It’s the realization that to hear God’s voice we often need a quiet secluded place where we can truly stop and listen and simply be amazed in his presence. My prayer today is that you are encouraged to do the same. Turn down the noise and listen for the still small voice of God; the encounter may surprise you.

Prayer

HONOR GOD

Our Maker is intently listening to us, right now. Take a moment and share with Him how thankful you are that He’s with us!

ASK GOD

The Lord renews our mind and purifies our thoughts. What are some thoughts you need to give to the Lord? Share those with Him now.

SUBMIT TO GOD

The Lord deserves eternal praise. Finish your prayer time giving praise for eternal things. Go beyond the earthly to what lasts forever!

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, thank you for the sacrifice You made through Christ. Thank you for all of the provision You have shown throughout my life, and that You for the provision I know you will continue to show me. Father, thank you for your Spirit that resides within me and the conviction He brings. Father, search me and identify what things I am holding onto that You want laid on the altar. Help me to let go of these things so that I may be closer to You, so that I may know you better, and display my faithfulness. Nothing I possess is more precious that you, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.