Ryanne Molinari

I cannot believe it is already Saturday afternoon. It feels like I barely finish Sunday services before I’m already back for another round. But even if time does not slow down, I hope you will join me in pausing briefly to pray over tomorrow’s worship.

Our Lord, who made us to sing and who rejoices over us in singing, be with us as we gather to rejoice in your salvation (Zeph. 3:17).

We confess that we often arrive on Sunday mornings groggy and grumpy, irritated with those around us or the weather or the music. We take our places with crossed arms and clamped jaws and complain that we are not filled with joy. Convict us of our passivity, of expecting to feel joy while neglecting to rejoice. Teach us to treat joyful worship as a discipline—to not be bound by our fatigue, frustration, or fears, but to sing through these with determination and hope.

We confess, too, Lord, that we often expect to feel joy while forgetting our highest joy: salvation in Christ alone. Help us to live in the light of this truest joy, forgiving one another as you have forgiven us. Let us not merely derive joy from our favorite songs, but from the fellowship you have given us.

Thank you for another Sunday, another call to worship, and another opportunity to rejoice together as the body and bride of your beloved Son.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

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You may also enjoy my book, Spirit-filled Singing: Bearing Fruit as We Worship Together, which will be available in print, e-b00k, and audio formats on November 4th.