Prepared

And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD.  2 Chronicles 12:14

I like to think that I prepare myself and my family for anything.  If I see the weather channel predicting a blizzard, I like to make sure we have enough groceries to last not only the duration of the storm but for a few days afterwards.  My husband makes sure we have gas for the generator in case we lose power.  Before we leave for vacations, we make sure we have made hotel reservations, and pack our suitcases with the proper clothing for not only the activities we want to participate in, but according to the weather conditions.  When we invite friends over for dinner, we make sure to have our home clean and inviting and serve things we know our guests will enjoy.  Before going to the grocery store, I make a list of the items I need to make sure I don't forget anything.  Before we leave for church, we grab our Bibles and notebooks before heading out the door...

but wait!

What about our hearts?

The very first time I read this verse in 2 Chronicles, it felt like my heart skipped a beat.

Am I missing the most important part of being prepared?

Have I taken the time to pray for my Pastor, the choir, the Sunday School Teachers and the Nursery Workers?  Have I prayed for visitors, for souls to be saved?

If I haven't, then I'm not prepared for worshipping the Lord.

A startling thought, isn't it?

The mechanics of Sunday Worship can make us 'think' we are prepared for worship, but it's not until we meet the Lord with our hearts that we are truly prepared.

I want to be prepared!

    But that's just me!

"A private relationship of worshipping God is the greatest essential element of spiritual fitness."

-Oswald Chambers