Worshiping with Thanksgiving
Discipleship S.T.E.P.S.: Worship God
Scripture: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. – Psalm 100:4
Thanksgiving is the key that opens the gates of worship. We often arrive at church carrying the baggage of the week’s disappointments, but Psalm 100:4 instructs us to leave that at the gate and enter with hearts full of gratitude. Gratitude is a discipline that forces us to look past our circumstances and fix our eyes on the character of God. When we are thankful, we bless His name, and our worship transforms from a hollow ritual into a vibrant, heart-felt encounter with our Creator.
As you join with the church today, make a conscious choice to cultivate a spirit of gratitude before the first song begins. Think of three specific ways God has shown you grace this week, even in the midst of your challenges. Let those points of gratitude be the fuel for your praise. When you enter His presence with a thankful heart, you are prepared to receive whatever He has for you in His courts. Come ready to bless His name and watch how gratitude changes the atmosphere of your worship.
Prompt: Is your heart filled with gratitude as you gather with the church to worship God today?
Action Step: True worship is fueled by a deep, abiding thankfulness for God’s character and His redemptive work.