Growing up our family attended a small store-front Baptist church with a charismatic atmosphere. I had a love/hate relationship with the church. Hate because my sister and I were the only ones of our neighborhood friends attending Wednesday night Bible study. Hate because there wasn’t an organized youth program with age-appropriate study and worship. No. The building with its concrete floors, paneled walls, and makeshift pulpit only allowed enough chair space for a handful of adults and children.

I loved the testimony service though. Sister McRae led us in the songs of Zion, and Mother Ridgeway’s raspy voice testified of God’s redemptive power. The atmosphere lulled me to a place of peace, erasing discontentment and ushering in thanksgiving.

Growing up I loved the testimony service as Sister McRae led us in the songs of Zion, and Mother Ridgeway’s raspy voice testified of God’s redemptive power.”

The psalmist calls for that same kind of thankful worship of God. His cry for a collective praise is nothing but a good-ole fashioned testimonial service that gave reasons the Israelites should be thankful. That call extends to you and me.