Worshipping and Rejoicing Everyday

         This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
                                                                                          Psalm 118:24

The Psalmist is not alone in this declaration. We hear of God’s sovereignty over everything throughout Holy Scripture, starting with “In the beginning…” (Genesis 1:1). God created and it was good—and it still is even after the fall and the breaking of God’s holy plan.

Every day is God’s day. Every day is a day GOD has made. Every day is a GOOD day. But in times of trial, sickness, debilitation, fear and the like, it just doesn’t feel like it. When our trials and struggles define our days, when we focus on those awful life-sapping events and occurrences big and small, then our days are not “good.” We are faced with a life conundrum: If God has made the day and is found in it, regardless of our maladies, how can it be anything other than good?

Long ago the church rejected the proposition that the spirit and the body are two different things, that the body was one concern and the spirit, separately, another. Yet, a degree of this separation is needed to answer the conundrum. When we are in a state, whatever state that may be—sickness, trial, tribulation—our concern must transcend our condition so our spirit can soar to God. The spiritual focus on God’s sovereignty, love, presence and concern will break through our debilitation, and the day, with all that it brings, can be nothing other than good. This spiritual focus requires our body, our mind, to reach out beyond ourselves. Our mind focused on God elevates our spirit and opens the door to redemption.

Embracing each day thinking of the abundance of blessings in our lives cultivates a spirit of gratitude and reverence toward God. A sense of appreciation for the blessings and opportunities that come from God has the ability to change everything, as it changes the way we see and encounter the world. Remember your January challenge for our 60th Anniversary Observance! It’s printed in the bulletin inserts all month: make a list of 60 blessings. By starting each day with a heartfelt "Thank you, God," we acknowledge the abundance and beauty that surrounds us, recognizing the gift of life and the wonders of God’s creation.

Expressing gratitude towards God is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the presence of divine grace in our lives. It instills a sense of humility, wonder, and appreciation for the miracles that unfold in each and every moment. When we express gratitude for the gift of each new day, we open our hearts to the divine presence to enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.

 This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
                                                                                   Psalm 118:24

If asked, most of us would identify “worship” with Sunday morning. Worship is prayer and praise, singing and confessing, hearing the Word of God and receiving the Holy Eucharist; this is how we worship God. However, biblically, worshipping God is a lot more than just gathering on Sunday; worship is a way of being and a lifestyle of acknowledgement. We are called—given the opportunity—to live our devotion to God through every day, even, every-moment worship.

Worshipping God Everyday 
One of my favorite simple devotional books is The Practice and Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence. Br. Lawrence was a French Carmelite monk who lived in the seventeenth century. In the monastery in which he lived, he worked in the kitchen washing dishes, preparing meals, and tending to the overall cleanliness of the refectory. Any of us who have done this type of work for a length of time can testify that the mundane repetition can be mind-numbing and emotionally debilitating. Not so for Br. Lawrence. In this seemingly lowliest of assignments, Br. Lawrence found a closeness with God and lived a life of constant worship. He found God present in every task, through the cleaning and scouring, God spoke to his heart, enlightened his spirit, and opened his mind.   

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”                                                                  (1 Corinthians 10:31)

For Br. Lawrence, worshipping the Lord was simpler than we make it sometimes, and he found more of his devotion to God throughout his daily activities, such as washing dishes, than he did in the regular prayer times that marked his monastic life. Worshipping God, for Br. Lawrence, was something that could be done both in & through his regular work – even washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. He did these things to glorify God, and he regularly practiced an awareness of God in everything, constantly drawing his mind back to God’s presence amid the busyness of life.

How would it change your life today, and your work, if you practiced a regular recognition of God’s presence in all you do? In the chores of laundry, dishes, and cooking dinner? What if you could be worshipping God in all that you did today?

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 
 (Collosians 3:16-17). 

Worshipping God in our everyday life and work 

Lord of all pots and pans and things,
Since I've no time to be
A saint by doing lovely things,
Or watching late with Thee,
Or dreaming in the dawnlight,
Or storming heaven's gates,
Make me a saint by getting meals,
And washing up the plates!

It is said that this well known twentieth century poem (often incorrectly attributed to Br. Lawrence because of the likeness of sentiment), was written by a nineteen year old domestic servant girl of a large home. Being found, it was copied and made its way through London’s kitchens and washrooms and now into volumes of literature. That young woman, and those who followed, sought to find enlightenment in the everyday routine. Where do we start?

When you do anything, do it to the glory of God. Be a good representative of Jesus, with the goal of bringing glory & praise to Him. This is just how simple it is to worship God in our everyday life and work.

When you take out the trash, praise God for the provision God has provided.

When you're writing another email to the same person explaining the same idea for the fourth time, thank God for technology and a mind to interact.

While meeting with the boss, honor God in how you respond.

While driving, thank God for places to go and the beauty along the way.

While fixing a meal—or eating one, praise God for the bounty of the earth and for those who till the ground.

While taking a shower, marvel at the ability to be clean and give thanks to God for those who made this gift a priority for you.

When dealing with a less-than-pleasant person, ask for Christ’s presence and pray for peace and patience for you both, praising God for the opportunity to witness.

You get the idea, everywhere and at all times there is an opportunity for prayer and praise.

Worshipping God in our everyday lives can be simple. It begins with turning your heart toward God amidst the busyness of life and choosing to direct your thoughts towards Him. And that begins with a simple prayer, inviting God into your work and asking the Holy Spirit to help you honor God in all that you do – just like the Scriptures say! When we invite God into our lives, and into our life and work, things begin to change for the better.

Feeling burnt out? Feeling like you’re not making a difference? Pray to God for sight to see your purpose as you seek to worship through your actions. Make every stapled paper, sent email, lunch break, trash run, and wash load an act of worshipping God.  You will surely be blessed!

Worshipping God in your daily life and work begins with your desire to transcend the monotony and live in joy. Br. Lawrence and that young lady have helped show the way. May the Lord remind you today of the value of your work, your role, and your life as you begin worshipping through your everyday life and work.


Praising God in all things,
​
Fr. Bill+