Psalm 100 is one of the most joyful and enduring invitations to worship in all of Scripture. Written for Hebrew worship, it reminds us that worship is not only a ritual, but a way of life. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into God’s presence with singing.” These verses set the tone for what worship is meant to be—an act of thanksgiving, joy, and celebration to the God who created and loves us.
Throughout Christian history, worship has carried developed certain rhythms over time. We gather with Entrance Praise, usually a hymn or Psalm, lifting our voices and hearts; we offer Adoration to the God who is holy and good. Then, we seek forgiveness for the ways we fall short and receive God’s gracious assurance; the Word is read and Preached, we give our Offering, not only in gifts but in our very lives; and finally, we are sent forth, Departing to Serve in the world. Psalm 100 embodies this flow. It calls us to enter God’s gates with thanksgiving, to remember, “the Lord is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever, with faithfulness to all generations.”
At Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, we hope that our worship reflects this pattern—shaping who we are and how we live. Worship is not confined to Sunday morning; it is meant to transform our daily lives. Individually, worship reminds us that we are God’s beloved people. Corporately, it binds us together as one community of faith, embodying the love of Jesus Christ in all that we do.
As we gather this week for worship, with Psalm 100 as our guide, may we be filled with joy, receive God’s grace with humility, and leave ready to serve the world with love.
Pastor Todd