Prayer and Worship Come First

Scripture: Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices. ... On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid. Ezra 3:3,6

Observation: King Cyrus has ordered the reconstruction of the temple in Jerusalem, and when they Jews arrive they take inventory of who has arrived to help and the materials they have to work with, and ... instead of initiating construction, they initiate worship and sacrifice.

They know this is an act that could land them in trouble, as it will be seen due to the smoke, and they are effectively defenseless from anyone who may oppose their return. However, the Jews also know that they must thank the Lord for their return, and they cannot be successful in their endeavors without the Lord's blessing. For this reason, the returning leaders and priesthood first implements sacrifice.

Application: The acts of these first Jews returning to Jerusalem are a positive lessons about pursuing the Lord's will. Yes, I am to do as the Lord wishes, but central to that is initiating such pursuits with a heart of worship, thanks, and honor to the Lord. Instead of charging head-long into my earthly work, I always should take time to honor the Lord, pray, and worship.

I do this okay on days I do my devotions, but that is only about half the time. On other days, I just jump into what I'm going to be doing. It would be better to at least spend time in prayer every morning, and to pray again before beginning any significant activity.

Prayer: Lord, you have given us your instructions for the way to live a good life, and it begins with something I absolutely want to do, which is just to put you first in my heart and mind. May I seek you first every day. Amen.