If forced to pick a synonym for goodness as a fruit of the Spirit, I would choose “generosity.” There is certainly more to it than that, but this is a blog post not a theological treatise. (Also, “A Prayer for Worshiping Goodly” just reads…not goodly.)
So, as I prepare for worship tomorrow, I am tuning my heart to the astonishing goodness of God’s generosity. I hope you will join me.
God, the Father of Lights, every good and perfect gift comes from you—including the gifts of music and fellowship (Js. 1:17). May we rise, gather, and sing tomorrow with gratitude.
From the earliest band rehearsal to the final service of the day, fill us with wonder at this marvelous truth: you not only call us to worship, but to do so through well-crafted lyrics, memorable melodies, and excellent musicianship. In your generosity, you invite us to enjoy exuberant singing. The Psalms—your very own songbook—conclude with a crescendo of praise as all instruments, voices, and creatures join together in an explosion of adoration (Ps. 150).
Teach us to be generous in our singing—to share our voices without self-consciousness, to present our gifts in praise without pride, and to embrace the sheer pleasure of singing together as a gift from above.
As we sing, fill us with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18–21). Let our lyrics abound in Scripture so that our minds would overflow with truth. May our music motivate us toward obedience, stirring us up for good works (Heb. 10:24). And for those of us with the privilege of leading your people in praise, equip us to do so with excellence (Ex. 31). May our worship thus be tuned to the triad of goodness, truth, and beauty.
Above all, Lord, remind us why we sing: you gave it all in your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Remembering this ultimate gift, how can we keep from singing?
Amen.
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Ryanne Molinari 