As we begin to worship, is it not more fitting to settle down in reverential silence and awe before the Holy One of Eternity than to rush into His Presence with hearts and minds askew and tongues full of words? The Scriptural admonition is:" ... the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be hushed in his presence." (Hab 2:20). During the worship time, seek to:

• "CENTER DOWN" first of all in reverential silence. "Centering down" means letting God cleanse the mind and heart from all distracting thoughts, worries, or cares, asking Him to take out of our minds any thing that would prevent us from hearing His Voice.

• WAIT UPON THE LORD Listen for God's voice within your heart. Seek to be quiet, totally surrendered and attentive before God. Then permit your yielded heart to be led to a Scripture, a prayer, a hymn, a specific concern, or to whatever the Spirit directs.

• COMMUNICATE TO GOD THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART. If joyful, praise and thank Him, inwardly, silently, in true communion. If guilty, confess your sin to Him. If anxious, ask for His guidance, strength, and peace. Partake of His spiritual substance.

• BE AWARE OF OTHERS AROUND YOU. Their yearnings, their petitions, their needs. Be aware that Christ is speaking to them as well. You may be led to pray either for the whole worshipping community or for some particular individual.