Last week we eavesdropped on the worship service of ancient Israel as they gathered to dedicate their city and their future to God. We noticed four characteristics of their worship: It was biblical, it was vocal, it was musical, and it was joyful. Today we continue with four more.

V. Their Worship Was Thankful (vv. 27, 31, 38, 46)

VI. Their Worship Was Communal (v. 43)

VII. Their Worship Was Powerful (vv. 42b, 43b)

VIII. Their Worship Was Physical (v. 43)

Talk with God: Meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and thank the Lord for His provision and direction in your life.

Talk with others: Encourage a friend or family member who’s recently been struggling to continue faithfully in their walk through a difficult season.

Talk with kids: Who received the praise and glory for Israel’s victory over their enemies? Why?

“The whole you needs worship—and the part of you that will live forever needs it most,” wrote Robert McIntyre. Nehemiah chapter 12 describes the worship of God’s people who had gathered to dedicate the newly rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This week and next week we will eavesdrop on their worship service and discover how we should worship when we assemble together.

I. Their Worship Was Biblical (v. 24)

II. Their Worship Was Vocal (vv. 27-30, 43)

III. Their Worship Was Musical (vv. 27b, 35-36, 41)

IV. Their Worship Was Joyful (vv. 27, 43)

Talk with God: Ask the Lord to reveal anything in your heart that’s holding you back from authentic worship and a deeper relationship with Him.

Talk with others: Share your favorite worship album or playlist with your Connect Group or a believing friend or family member this week.

Talk with kids: How is Jesus better than the judges in the story?