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 "The
preacher's eyes I've never seen Though light in them may shine;
For
when he prays he closes his, And when he preaches, mine."
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If
I knew who wrote it I wouldn't embarrass him by telling.
Besides, if the writer had been worshiping as he should, he
wouldn't know that other's eyes are closed during prayer.
That
preacher had probably made a studied effort to learn how to get
and keep attention; how many of us make a studied effort to give
attention? Both sides may he failing.
Granting
(please do, or I'll feel terrible) that absolute and unstraying
attention is impossible; surely there is some way to improve
single mindedness in the public worship. Perhaps the most
important prerequisite is an honest appraisal of our desire. If
we do not care — are so little acquainted with true worship as
to think "attending," "visiting," and gazing
about the auditorium is all God expects of us — there
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is little use in going further with this.
But
people who really want to worship God can improve their
efforts. No. 1— "make not provision for the flesh"
(Rom. 13:14) i.e., do not sit where there are distractions — move
toward the front of the building. Unless you are forced
(small children, physical disability, etc.) you cannot afford to
overlook this means of improving your attention span and
enriching your worshiping experience.
Practice
charity —- hear the monotone singer as one who sings to
God; and the trite expressions in prayer as the efforts of an
embarrassed man, saying what he thinks is expected. (You can
pray your own prayer you know; and if you lead publicly, you can
set better examples for others. )
Listen
with a view to learning! Take notes, reason through the
process, being critical in a positive fashion. Better to forsake
the preacher while making a note of your own, than to drift
sleepily in "limbo." And when you drift, apologize to
God, right then. Ask His help, and worship will become
meaningful.
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