Reverence in the House of God

Get statements from the Spirit of Prophecy.

Ellen G. White

Reverence in the House of God

True Reverence: How Inspired.—"True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence. With this sense of the Unseen, every heart should be deeply impressed. The hour and place of prayer are sacred, because God is there. And as reverence is manifested in attitude and demeanor, the feeling that inspires it will be deepened."—"Prophets and Kings," pg 48, 49.

A Change Apparent.—" There has been a great change, not for the better, but for the worse, in the habits and customs of the people in reference to religious worship. The precious, the sacred things which connect us with God, are fast losing their hold upon our minds and hearts, and are being brought down to the level of common things."—" Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 491. " An enemy has been at work to destroy our faith in the sacredness of Christian worship."— Id., p. 496.

Reasons for Reverence. — " We have abundant reason to maintain a fervent, devoted spirit in the worship of God. We have reason even to be more thoughtful and reverential in our worship than had the Jews." " Our present habits and customs, which dis­honor God, and bring the sacred and heavenly down to the level of the com­mon, are against us. We have a sa­cred, testing, sanctifying truth; and if our habits and practices are not in ac­cordance with the truth, we are sinners against great light, and are propor­tionately guilty. It will be far more tolerable for the heathen in the day of God's retributive justice than for us."—Id., pp. 496, 495.

Duty of Parents.—" Nearly all need to be taught how to conduct themselves in the house of God. Par­ents should not only teach, but com­mand their children to enter the sanc­tuary with sobriety and reverence."—Id., p. 496.

Common Things Excluded.—" The precincts of the church should be in­vested with a sacred reverence. It should not be made a place to meet old friends, and visit and introduce com­mon thoughts and worldly business transactions. These should be left out­side the church."— Id., p. 494.

Motto for Children.—" Parents, elevate the standard of Christianity in the minds of your children; . . . teach them to have the highest reverence for the house of God, and to understand that when they enter the Lord's house, it should be with hearts that are soft­ened and subdued by such thoughts as these: ' God is here; this is His house. I must have pure thoughts and the holiest motives. I must have no pride, envy, jealousy, evil surmising, hatred, or deception in my heart; for I am coming into the presence of the holy God."—Id., p. 494.

There Should Be Rules.—" There should be rules in regard to the time, the place, and the manner of worship­ing."— Id., p. 491.

Eloquence of Silence.—" The Lord is in His holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before Him." Hab. 2:20. " If when the people come into the house of worship, they have genuine reverence for the Lord, and bear in mind that they are in His presence, there will be a sweet eloquence in si­lence."—" Testimonies," Vol. V, p. 492.

Entering God's Rouse.—" When the worshipers enter the place of meeting, they should do so with de­corum, passing quietly to their seats.

If some have to wait a few minutes before the meeting begins, let them maintain a true spirit of devotion by silent meditation, keeping the heart uplifted to God in prayer that the serv­ice may be of special benefit to their own hearts, and lead to the conviction and conversion of other souls."—page 492.

When Minister Enters Desk.—"When the minister enters, it should be with dignified, solemn mien. He should bow down in silent prayer as soon as he steps into the pulpit, and earnestly ask help of God. . . . Every one of the congregation, also, who fears God, should with bowed head unite in silent prayer with him.. . . When the meeting is opened by prayer, every knee should bow in the pres­ence of the Holy One, and every heart should ascend to God in silent devo­Hon."— Id., pp. 492, 493.

During the Benediction.—" When the benediction is pronounced, all should still be quiet, as if fearful of losing the peace of Christ."—Id., p. 494.

Leaving the Church.—" Let all pass out without jostling or loud talk­ing, feeling that they are in the pres­ence of God, that His eye is resting upon them, and they must act as in His visible presence. Let there be no stopping in the aisles to visit or gos­sip."— Id., p. 494.

Ellen G. White

January 1930

Download PDF
Ministry Cover

More Articles In This Issue

Editorial Keynotes

The minister an agent of the supernatural

Forward and Upward

Articles for inspiration, counsel, and caution

The Better Workman

Articles for improvement in method and technique.

Confirming the Foundations

Articles on historical, theological, and scientific research.

Reverence in Public Worship

A round table on efficient methods.

Securing Readers — No. 1

Advice from a bible worker on securing readers.

Common Errors in Speech

Kindly correctives on speech and diction.

Radio and Literature

The installation of the radio public address system has proved to be a valuable asset to our institution.

A Personal Word

I like the thought that I and my asso­ciate " internes " this year are pioneers in the demonstration of a plan which is so vital to the future strengthening of the working forces in the Lord's cause.

Problems That Persist

Thoughts from the editor.

View All Issue Contents

Digital delivery

If you're a print subscriber, we'll complement your print copy of Ministry with an electronic version.

Sign up

Recent issues

See All
Advertisement - SermonView - WideSkyscraper (160x600)