Reviving Authentic Worship: A Call to Clear the Thorns and Weeds #1861

Reviving Authentic Worship: A Call to Clear the Thorns and Weeds In sanctuaries grand and old, Where stories of faith were once bold, Thorns and weeds have claimed the ground, Where altars stood, now silence found. Once vibrant voices raised in praise, Now echo faint in empty space, Tradition's shell, a hollow sound, The heart of worship lost, not found. Idolatry in modern guise, Success and wealth before our eyes, Distract and lead our hearts astray, From paths of truth, we turn away. The altars overgrown with weeds, Reflect our hearts, our unmet needs, A call to clear this tangled mess, To seek the Lord, to truly bless. In shame, we hide, from mountains call, "Cover us!" we plead, as we fall, Yet grace awaits, with arms outspread, To heal the wounds, to raise the dead. Return, O hearts, to worship true, Let spirit's fire renew in you, Clear the thorns, the weeds, the sin, Let genuine faith once more begin. For churches are not museums cold, But living homes where love unfolds, Revive the flame, let worship lead, A call to clear the thorns and weeds. -Steven G. Lee (June 21, 2024)