Which psalm is appropriate for the opening of a service?

When considering which psalm is appropriate for the opening of a service, Psalm 100 stands out as a particularly fitting choice. This psalm is a call to worship and a celebration of God's enduring faithfulness and love. It sets a tone of reverence, joy, and communal praise that is ideal for the beginning of a worship service.

Psalm 100 is a short but powerful psalm, often referred to as a "Psalm of Thanksgiving." It reads:

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100:1-5, ESV)

This psalm is particularly appropriate for several reasons:

A Call to Worship

The psalm begins with an exhortation to "make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!" This universal call to worship invites everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, to participate in the communal act of praising God. It emphasizes the inclusivity of worship and sets a welcoming tone for the service.

Joy and Gladness

The psalm encourages worshipers to "serve the Lord with gladness" and to "come into his presence with singing." These lines emphasize the joy and enthusiasm that should characterize our worship. Opening a service with this psalm can help to foster a spirit of joy and celebration among the congregation, reminding them that worship is not just a duty but a delight.

Recognition of God's Sovereignty

"Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." This verse centers the congregation on the fundamental truth of God's sovereignty and our relationship to Him. It serves as a reminder that we are gathered not just as individuals but as a community of believers who belong to God.

Thanksgiving and Praise

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" These lines encourage a posture of gratitude and praise. They remind worshipers to enter the service with hearts full of thankfulness for God's many blessings. This attitude of gratitude can set the tone for the entire service, making it a time of heartfelt worship and thanksgiving.

God's Enduring Faithfulness

"For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations." This final verse provides a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature. His goodness, love, and faithfulness are constants that we can rely on, generation after generation. This assurance can provide comfort and encouragement to the congregation as they begin their time of worship.

Historical and Theological Context

Psalm 100 is part of the fourth book of the Psalter (Psalms 90-106), which focuses on the reign of God and His faithfulness to His covenant people. The themes of kingship, worship, and thanksgiving are prevalent throughout this section of the Psalms. Historically, this psalm would have been used in the context of temple worship, where the community of Israel gathered to offer sacrifices and praise to God. In a modern worship service, it serves a similar function by calling the congregation to focus on God's greatness and faithfulness.

Practical Application

Incorporating Psalm 100 into the opening of a service can be done in various ways. It can be read aloud by a worship leader or pastor, recited in unison by the congregation, or even set to music and sung as a hymn. Its themes of joy, thanksgiving, and praise make it versatile and impactful, regardless of the specific worship style or tradition.

Complementary Psalms

While Psalm 100 is particularly well-suited for opening a service, other psalms can also serve this purpose effectively. Psalms 95, 96, and 98, for instance, share similar themes of worship, praise, and recognition of God's sovereignty. Each of these psalms can complement Psalm 100 or be used in its place, depending on the specific focus and flow of the service.

Psalm 95 begins with a call to worship and a recognition of God's greatness:

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. (Psalm 95:1-3, ESV)

Psalm 96 emphasizes singing a new song to the Lord and proclaiming His salvation:

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. (Psalm 96:1-4, ESV)

Psalm 98 focuses on singing a new song and celebrating God's marvelous deeds:

Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (Psalm 98:1-3, ESV)

Conclusion

Psalm 100 is an excellent choice for the opening of a worship service due to its universal call to worship, emphasis on joy and gladness, recognition of God's sovereignty, and focus on thanksgiving and praise. Its themes are timeless and resonate deeply with the core of Christian worship. By starting a service with this psalm, the congregation is invited to enter into a space of communal praise and gratitude, centered on the enduring faithfulness and love of God.