Before many of us go to the grocery store, we make a list. Before we exercise, we follow the good practice of stretching. Before we travel, we pack according to the number of days we’ll be gone and our destination’s climate. Before a new baby is brought home, colorful mobiles and an ample supply of diapers and wipes are purchased. Almost everything we do requires some sort of preparation—even worshiping God. This is exactly the theme that David takes up in Psalm 15.

The psalm starts off with two soul-searching questions: “Who may worship in Your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter Your presence on Your holy hill?” (v.1). His answer to these queries begs at least four more questions that help us prepare for worship:

• Is my character true? (v.2). David said “those who lead blameless lives,” that is, those whose character is not marked by moral and ethical blemishes—corruption and inconsistencies—are ready to worship.

• Are my relationships right? (v.3). A sign that relationships are strained is the use of words that are not restrained. The person who bad-mouths another’s name and character with vicious words and malicious gossip is not prepared to worship.

• Have I fulfilled all of my commitments? (v.4). A person is ready to worship, privately and publicly, when he consistently keeps his word.

• Do I earn and use money honorably? (v.5). God commanded His people not to take advantage of the marginalized in society. They were not to charge excessively high interest or take bribes at the expense of true justice. Think about it: Am I valuing money more than people?

Before you enter into private and public worship, let the Holy Spirit examine your character.