2 Kings 23:22 – For no such Passover had been kept since the days of the Judges who judged Israel, or during all the days of the kings of Israel or the kings of Judah.

Lord God, when your people repent and return to you, then there is worship unlike any other time. If there is no repentance, then we’re just going through the motions. Too many times I admit that I’m showing up at worship because it’s the time for worship and not because my heart is repentant. I’m ashamed to admit that I’m just going through the motions. If there is no repentance then there is no joy in worship; it’s just words. I’m embarrassed to tell you that often my worship is joyless, just a repeating of words that the service folder tells me to say. I’m worshipping you with my mouth, but my heart is far from you. But when you have worked repentance in me, then worship is a time unlike any other. Then worship is a time for me to receive forgiveness from you for my heartless and ritualistic worship. Oh, how sweet your forgiveness is. Then worship is a time for me to hear and receive with joy your Word, given to me and filled by your Spirit with life. Then worship is a time for me to receive your body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Oh, how worship changes when you have lead me heart to repent. Lord God, this week as I meditate on your Word in my daily devotions and prayers, continue to lead me to repentance and reformation in my heart and life. Keep working repentance in me so that I’m ready for Sunday, ready to worship you with my whole self – body, soul, and spirit. Keep working repentance in me so that I’m ready to worship you unlike any other time. Make this Sunday another Easter for me, full of loud, boisterous and confident worship. Amen.