This past Sunday, I missed seeing Jerry and Ann in their assigned seats. That’s because they were on vacation in Creede, Colorado.
Yesterday, Jerry came by the church to give me the bulletin from the worship service they attended in Creede.
As we visited, Jerry said, “The worship service was only forty minutes long.”
Jerry said this with so much enthusiasm and emphasis, I got the impression he thought our worship services should also be forty minutes long.
Then he told me some of the members of the church were complaining because the service usually lasted thirty minutes. He also said the members of the church asked questions during the sermon.
This got me thinking.
What is the appropriate amount of time for worship?
On Sunday mornings, our traditional worship services last about an hour. The contemporary worship service is shorter.
On Wednesday evenings, the worship service lasts between forty and forty-five minutes.
In October, when we resume the noon chapel service, the plan is to limit the service to forty minutes so people can attend during their lunch break.
What matters is not the amount of time in worship but the quality of time.
The goal for a follower of Jesus is not to limit worship to a short prescribed amount of time, but instead, making every moment of every day an act of worship and praise.
This is what the psalmist meant by saying, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:3-4)
So, today as you take the children to school, go to the office, or shop at the grocery store, remember who threw the stars into the sky, filled with seas, and created the giant redwood trees. This is the One who is always worthy of our praise. Our lives should show it.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I pray the way I live reflects my love for you. Fill my mouth with words of healing, my mind with wisdom to make the right choice, and my heart with loving compassion. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
For us, worship is not limited to a short amount of time each week. It is how we live.
Also, just for the record, I am good with our members going to church while on vacation, as long as they remember their offering stays at FUMC Temple.
As far as questions during the sermon, we aren’t doing that.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 