What do you think of when I mention church? Do feel a sense of obligation, or a duty? Was it more convenient for you and your family to sit on the couch in your pajamas and watch live streamed worship services during the pandemic? Do you find it easy to get out of the habit of going to church?
Some feel the need to be entertained at church through upbeat and catchy music, or perhaps a “relevant” sermon series on how to be a better parent or how to have a great marriage. But church is not for your entertainment. Church is not even primarily for evangelism. Church is a time for believers to gather together to worship a holy God.
“Oh, What High and Holy Privilege” is a new hymn written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Bryan Fowler, Matt Boswell, and Matt Papa. Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Kristyn Getty sing the song, which is based on Hebrews 10:24-25:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Each verse of the song takes you through a different element of the worship service – from gathering, to prayer, singing, reading scripture and preaching, communion and benediction.

Verse 1 is about gathering in the name of the Lord:

Oh, what high and holy priv’lege
Once again to gather here
In the name of our Lord Jesus
As we see His Day draw near
May we join in joyful rev’rence
With thanksgiving, faith and love
As He welcomes in His people
To the throne of grace above

Verse 2  is about our voices raised in prayer and praise:

Oh, what high and holy priv’lege
Voices raised in prayer and praise
Boldly bringing great petitions
Gladly singing hymns of faith
May His grace at work among us
Cleanse and heal us from our sin
That our prayers may not be hindered
And our praises honor Him

Verse 3 is about preaching, hearing from the word of God:

Oh, what high and holy priv’lege
Hearing from the word of God
Heaven speaks in perfect wisdom
Earth responds and stands in awe
Do our hearts not burn within us
As we see God’s promises
Find their final yes in Jesus
Leading us to righteousness!

Verse 4 is about communion, or the Lord’s Supper:

Oh, what high and holy priv’lege
This communion that we share
With the Father, Son, and Spirit
And His people everywhere
As we go with God’s great blessing
In the keeping of His grace
Go in peace to love and service
Till we join again in praise

Verse 5 is about the benediction, going with God’s great blessing until we join again in praise:

As we go with God’s great blessing
In the keeping of His grace
Go in peace to love and service
Till we join again in praise
Till we join again in praise

Singing this rhythm driven mid-tempo hymn would be a great way to begin your worship service. You can listen to the song here.