I Chronicles 16 (NIV)

Summary:

The Ark Brought to Jerusalem
Verses 1-6

The Israelites brought the ark to the tent David had pitched for it.  David presented burnt and fellowship offerings to God.  He then blessed the people in the name of the Lord.  David gave every man and woman a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins.  (I want some!)  David appointed some Levites to minister before the ark, to make petition, and to give thanks and praise to God.

Chief: Asaph - played the cymbals
2nd: Zecheriah - played the lyre or harp (I believe)
The Rest: Jeiel, Shemiramoth, Jehiel, Mattithiah, Eliab, Benaiah, Obed-Edom, and Jeiel (another Jeiel?)        - played the lyres and harps
Priests: Benaiah & Jahaziel - blew the trumpets at regular intervals before the ark of the covenant of God

David's Psalm of Thanks
Verses 7-43

(David's song of praise is quite eloquent and beautiful.  I've summed up the meaning, but encourage you to read how he expresses gratitude to God through poetry in the actual chapter.)

-Thanks God because we can call on His name.
-Praises God, attributing  to Him glory and strength.  Those that seek Him will rejoice.  He produces wonders, miracles, and judgments.  He always remembers His covenant - to provide Israel the land of Canaan as an inheritance.  The Israelites wandered in search of their land, but God prevented anyone from harming them or His prophets.
-Encourages us to praise Him.  We should sing, proclaim His salvation, declare His glory and action in our lives.
-Praises God, calling Him great.  God is to be feared above all gods, all idols.  Our God made the heavens.  He has splendor, majesty, strength, joy, and glory.  "Tremble before Him, all the earth!" (Verse 30a)  He firmly established the earth.  Let heaven and earth rejoice.  Let the nations say that the Lord reigns!  The sea, the fields, and the trees of the forest will sing for joy to God, because He comes to judge the earth.  (Imagine worshiping God with all of heaven and with nature - euphoria is what comes to mind.)
-"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." (Verse 34)  (Song for today - "Forever" by Chris Tomlin...listen to it on YouTube.)
-Tells us to cry out to God for salvation, for deliverance, so we can give thanks to His holy name and we can glory in His praise.

The people responded with "Amen" and "Praise the Lord".  David then went to minister before the ark, according to each day's requirements.  He went to the Lord's tabernacle (house of worship) at the high place in Gibeon.  He presented burnt offerings every morning and evening in accordance with the Law.  With him were Heman, Jeduthan, and those chosen by name to give thanks to God.  Heman and Jeduthun sounded the trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments for the sacred song.  The sons of Jeduthun were stationed at the gate.  Then, everyone went home and David went to bless his family.

Lori's Thoughts:

Imagine what life must have been like in David's day.  I wish more worship services were like his.  Taking time to remember why you have a relationship with God.  Tell Him how He's awesome.  Recommit yourself to Him.  Make a joyful noise and celebrate!

I attended several churches that sang mournful hymns, the pastor told us what not to do, but never what we should do, and nobody interacted with each other.  We sat and listened, then went home.

Currently, I attend a service that is more like what David had.  They encourage us to greet each other, we rock out in praise songs, with drums, guitars, keyboards, and saxophones, and the message is interactive.  Afterwards, we can pray with each other or just talk.  Also, they have ministries for the homeless and for prisoners.  They actually pay attention to God's second commandment (the New Testament one) to love others.  I love my new "church".  It's called Gateway Fellowship, in Takoma Park, Maryland.  If you're interested, here's the website:  http://mygatewayfellowship.com/  Also, you can hear about the program and the musical artists that we have come once a month: WGTS 91.9 FM.

I think this chapter also provides a great example on how to pray:
-Petition - lay down your sins
-Thanksgiving - be grateful for what God has brought you through, whether it's high or low points
-Praise - tell God how awesome He is
-Tremble - pay your respects.  Don't forget with whom your speaking - the Almighty God, Creator of All, Destroyer of Evil.

Also, it is important to share the Holy Spirit with the people God has placed in your life.  David sets this example when He blesses the Israelites, then he goes home to bless his family.  Who have you blessed lately?