Our call to worship today is from Hebrews 12. In chapter 12, the author of Hebrews points to a coming day when God has promised to shake the heavens and earth to separate the things that can be shaken from those which cannot. That which can be shaken are the rebel nations of the earth, every false idol, every untruth, everything thought, word, deed, or human endeavor built on shifting sand. God will consume these things in his wrath as they have no place in the new heavens and new earth. But that which cannot be shaken will stand forever. Having reminded us of this, the author calls us to worship.
Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
(Hebrews 12:28–29 ESV)
Prayer of Preparation
Heavenly Father, You indeed are a jealous God. You burn with jealousy for the hearts of your people. For it is good and fitting that you are worshipped, and every false god and detestable idol be turned away from.
Holy Spirit, help us now as we worship. Magnify the truth and beauty of the gospel in our hearts and minds so that we would be strengthened in faith, love, and obedience. Help is to behold the glory of the person and work of Jesus, that we may be transformed into his likeness. Sanctify us that our residual appetites for the profane would be supplanted by holy reverence. In place of apathy, grant us awe.
Lead us now, Holy Spirit, as we worship. Amen.