Today’s scripture: Psalm 122 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
For those who attend LifeJourney Church, have you noticed how much the praise team has grown? For those who are not as familiar, and even if you are, let me explain my perspective. I don’t have room to name everyone, so I am singling out four people.
Jared Hancock is a man of faith. He is very quiet, and his quiet personality comes through, very reverently. As he has gained experience as a worship leader, he has become more outgoing in his role, outwardly celebratory, sharing words of inspiration that provide direction during worship. He sets the tone and the attitude right at the start with his words of inspiration.
Suzanne Bowdish is outgoing, but she has her shy moments as well. When she is on the platform as a praise team leader, her smile is infectious, the joy is spoken with her facial expression, and her intensity is so contagious that it raises the level of energy in the room. You can feel the spirit move through Suzanne there on the platform.
Robert Ferguson is serious about God and about serving God. When he is on the platform, his voice is a reminder of how God is with us, no matter what, and no matter what kind of week we may have had. He provides the inspiration during praise and worship that keeps the energy flowing, while reminding us that God always has our back.
Lynnette is our compassionate praise and worship leader. You can watch her and feel her emotion. As the words are sung, you can see them acted out with the motions of her body and the expressions on her face. When you look in her eyes on the platform, it is as if she is praying a prayer to God just for you. It is as if you are seeing the soul of God through her eyes.
Others may have a different perspective. But this is what I experience. Psalm 122 reminds me of the “peace within our walls” at LifeJourney Church, as we sing Praise and Worship to God. I love to be in the midst of that praise and worship and to experience that peace.
Thought for the day: How have I praised and worshiped God in my worship experience lately? Have I experienced the peace within as I worship?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.