Nuturing a Habit of Worship
When we stand in front of the sink in the morning, most of us don’t have to put much mental effort into brushing our teeth. We don’t have to think:
“Ok, locate toothpaste. Pick up toothbrush. Give toothpaste tube a just right ‘Goldilocks’ squeeze and put paste on brush. Turn on sink. Wet the toothbrush. Brush top. Brush bottom. Spit. Rinse. Replace toothbrush in holder.”
Thank goodness we don’t have to go through that every time we brush- it’s exhausting to think through all those little details. Why don’t we have to work through every little step like that? It’s because we’ve all been brushing our teeth for so long that we have learned these rhythms so well. They have become second nature; a process so familiar that we don’t even have to think about it, we just do it. This is the power of habits.
This kind of learned, internalized habit is a powerful force in our lives. It’s how we drive cars, tie our shoes, type, and do countless other things without having to put in much mental energy. Good habits can be a mighty powerful force in our lives. Things like clicking your seatbelt, brushing your teeth, and saying a prayer before meals and bedtime are simple little practices that can make a big positive impact over the long haul. But habits can get us in trouble too. That late night urge to open the refrigerator for a snack, if it becomes a habit, can transform our bodies in ways we aren’t pleased with. For good or bad, habits are powerful because they are what we default to when we aren’t paying special attention. When mental resources are elsewhere- when we are busy, tired, distracted- habits are what carry us through life.
Because habits are so influential, in October at Holly Grove we are focusing on fostering healthy worship habits. Is your worship habit where you want it to be? Is it where it needs to be for you to maintain a sense of how God is working in your world? If not, let’s make October about getting back on track. I’m challenging everyone to make a special effort to be at church every Sunday in October.
Worship is how we orient our whole lives to God’s goodness and call. It’s where we gather in community to hear the story of God’s love for the world and connect to the One who redeems all of creation. Worship is the way we are reminded that we are God’s precious children and that nothing can change that. It’s how we train our brains to look for the kingdom of God already creeping into this world and commit ourselves to joining in the work of the kingdom. It’s where we hear God’s word in scripture and at the table receive the very presence of Jesus in bread and wine. It’s where we give thanks and praise to the God who made us. Worship is designed to powerfully transform our lives so that they look more like the kingdom of God.
But none of this happens if we don’t show up. And if your worship habit happens to look like coming to church about once a month, well we are certainly glad to have you that day. But how much are you transforming your world at that point? If you only spend an hour a month at church, that means the broken, sinful world is likely forming you the other 719 hours of the month. Is one hour a month enough to overcome what the world is teaching the other 719?
I understand the challenges- I really do. Work is demanding, children are relentless in their needs, and leisure and vacations beckon. Something has to give. But let’s make sure what we let slide is in line with our priorities. If our priority is to follow the God who claims us, redeems us, and calls us, then we need to find ways to be in worship, despite the challenges.
Like any new habit of exercise, diet, or life rhythm, getting into the swing is hard. It takes special effort and focus. But it gets easier. Over time, as a habit forms, it becomes second nature. This October at Holly Grove Lutheran Church we are focusing on rebooting our spiritual lives through worship. Won’t you join us? Make plans to be at worship every Sunday in October. See what it feels like to have your weeks consistently bookended by rituals of scripture, prayer, song, and communion. Give it the special effort in October. Make weekly worship your habit. Join us, and together, let’s see what God is up to in our lives!
In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Matt
