A Steward of Joyful Worship

"Clap your hands, all you peoples. Shout to God with loud sounds of joy." (Psalm 47:1)

"Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises." (Psalm 47:6)

We often equate stewardship with money, but Christian stewardship involves all of life. We are called to be stewards of relationships and stewards of God's Word. As Jesus' stewards, we are committed to giving God thanks for all of Jesus' blessings. One of those blessings is Jesus' ascension into heaven. How do we celebrate the blessing of Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven? The Bible suggests that we celebrate "with joy continually worshiping Him." (Read Luke 24:50-55 for more background.)

As a way to practice this joyful worship, families may plan to worship Jesus in their homes in addition to attending weekly worship services. One practical method of facilitating this worship is to create a home worship center.

Cover a TV table or an end table with a special cloth. The special aspect of the cloth is the joy that this cloth brings someone. For instance, your family is reminded of grandma's homemade cookies when you see her special shawl. Or a security blanket may remind parents of some special parenting years or may remind a child of a special feeling of comfort. The children should help select the special cloth. Place a candle or small oil lamp on the covered table.

Print Psalm 47:1 and Psalm 47:6 on separate, brightly colored index cards. Make two copies of each Scripture verse. Place one set of the two scripture verses on the worship table and the other set on the refrigerator.

Light the candle as you begin your daily family worship time. A battery operated candle or lantern may be a safe substitute for the real candle or oil lamp.

Read Psalm 47:1 and practice memorizing it during the daily worship time for one week. Recite the verse together by memory during the second week. During the third week, read Psalm 47:6 and practice memorizing it. Recite the verse together by memory during the following week. Young children may clap the rhythm of the words as the family recites the Scripture verse. Families may add additional worship components, such as praying the Lord's Prayer or singing a favorite hymn or Christian song, to this basic worship. Conclude the daily worship time by taking turns completing the following prayer and blowing out or turning off the candle or lamp.

Prayer

Joyful God, today you gave me joy when ... . (Finish the sentence. Examples: a friend played with me; I received a good grade; a parent cooked a special meal; a parent helped with a homework assignment; a grandparent called me.) Thank you, God, for all your blessings. Thank you, God, for Jesus. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

• How did it feel to create a home worship center?
• Was it difficult or easy to take time each day for home worship? Why?
• How can you be a good steward of relationships?
• What are some other blessings that Jesus offers us in addition to his ascension into heaven?

Ruth M. Blum is an ordained United Methodist Deacon who serves as Associate Pastor of Children and Families at Dove of the Desert United Methodist Church in Glendale, Arizona. You may contact Ruth by e-mail at [email protected].