You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5, NIV)
When you first become a Christian, worship seems very strange. It seems to be something that other people are doing. There may be a choir, a pastor, musicians, and ushers. There are hymns and there are prayers. They pass round a collection plate. And there is a Bible reading and a sermon.
As we come to Christ, God is doing something very wonderful.
He turns observers into participants. You are a priest of God. Gradually you will find that you are able to sing, that you are able to pray, and that you want to give. You will discover gifts and abilities that you did not know you had.
Use the words of the hymns and the prayers. Let them be a vehicle to express your love for God.
Let the hymns and the Scriptures stretch your mind to think great thoughts about God. Let the simple lines of a chorus warm your heart to the riches of God’s love for you. Let God speak to you through the Scriptures. Open your Bible and ask God to draw to you and speak to you.
Ask God where he wants to change you into more of a participant.
