Positioning

We are in the midst of major-league baseball playoff action and us here in the Upper Midwest are especially interested as we watch our Minnesota Twins. One of the interesting things for me to watch in a baseball game is how managers move their players around during the game. Most of the movement is preparation for the current hitter and trying to anticipate where he might hit the ball or where he might be running during the action. Sometimes the defensive player makes his own changes but often the managers will discern the correct positioning of the player in a particular situation. That makes a lot of sense to me. If you are not putting yourself into a position where you can "receive" the action and accomplish your job, you will find the real action passing you by.

I am very interested in the concept of "positioning" as it relates to worship. If we come to worship with the idea that all I need to do is be present - often the action comes (and goes) without us even knowing it was there. If, on the other hand, we take the time to intentionally position ourselves for worship and "position" ourselves to "receive the action," the chances of us having a powerful experience in worship are greatly increased.

How do we do that? How do we make sure that we have done everything possible to be in the right place, to receive what God has for us?

The first thing to do is Focus. When you are about ready to worship, spend a moment to think about where you are and what you are about to do. That sounds silly, but too often we sit down, read through the bulletin and then music starts and we are on our way. But, beware - you might be in the right ballpark but haven't thought through where you need to be positioned to receive the action.

The second thing to do is Pray. I know that if I will pause to pray I have a better chance of focusing of the task at hand. If I do not stop long enough to initiate my conversation with God, I am going to be in the right ballpark, playing the right game, but just really along for the ride and not part of the action.

The third thing to do is Pay Attention, be engaged, in the event. Sometimes it is difficult to accomplish; worship drags, music is uninspiring, the sermon is boring, etc. The "game" might not be the most exciting you have ever attended but for the player(s) it still requires all your attention to the events of the game. I am always amazed at how much the Holy Spirit can accomplish in the midst of "less than dynamic" worship. There will be many leaving the service disappointed, but for those who positioned themselves for worship, they have received a message for God. That is the great promise.

I wonder how many great "plays" I missed in the game because my mind was somewhere else and the ball got by me before I even saw it come off the bat? I am afraid there are more than I want to admit. But, my hope and prayer is that I will pay better attention in the future and always remember to position myself for that which is to come.

Just thinking...