God Speaks Through His Glory

All around him was a glowing halo, like a rainbow shining through the clouds. This was the way the glory of the Lord appeared to me. When I saw it, I fell face down in the dust, and I heard someone's voice speaking to me. (Ezekiel 1:28)(NLT)

When Ezekiel saw the glory of the Lord, he fell face down in the dust. Then he heard the voice of God speaking to him. The order of these two events should be the model for all God's people as they seek his voice. First, we are exposed to God's glory as we come before him in humility. Then we hear his voice. In other words, as we come to know who God is and recognize our own limited understanding, we will learn to depend on his guidance for our life. Then we will be ready to hear God speak to us. Let us thank God for showing us himself and guiding us.

O GOD WHO SPEAKS TO US, reveal yourself to us. Humble us before you, and calm our heart so that we will listen expectantly for your voice. Speak to us, and show us your will for us so that we might please you. Amen.

The Lord's Name is Majestic

O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.
(Psalm 8:1)(NLT)

There  is a name I love to hear
I love to sing its worth
It sounds as music in my ear
The sweetest name on earth...

A person's name is more than just a label. It represents who they are. Hearing someone's name often brings to mind that person's character, abilities, and appearance. So, too, with our God, whose name is above all names. When we hear the name of the Lord, we should reflect and marvel, as David did, that the God whose glory fills the earth has lavished such affection upon us human beings. In a small way, he has allowed us to share in his majesty, granting us dominion over his creation. Our wonder at the majesty of his name will then give way to heartfelt worship.

MAJESTIC GOD, as we hear your name, we are reminded of your presence and power. Forgive us when we misuse your name or fail to appreciate the greatness of the One it represents. We are grateful that you have called us by your name, and so we ask you to glorify your name by our life. Amen.

(This worship note is taken from the Praise and Worship Study Bible from Tyndale House)

The Lord Inspires Praise

And the man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, "We've never seen anything like this before!" (Mark 2:12)(NLT)

The following worship note is from the Praise and Worship Study Bible:

The crowd's response to Jesus' miracle was immediate and spontaneous praise to God. "We've never seen anything like this before!" the people exclaimed as they recognized Jesus' unique power. We, too, should be moved to praise God, like these people, when we witness his great works. He alone wields absolute sovereignty over all things and deserves our worship.

MIGHTY GOD, we praise you for your greatness. We thank you for the wonderful deeds you have performed on our behalf. Move us to worship you in response to your magnificent deeds. Amen.