GOD IS GLORIFIED WHEN WE PRAISE HIM
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“Prayer and praise are like a bird’s two wings: with both working, you soar; with one out of action you are earthbound. But birds should not be earthbound, nor Christians praiseless.” – J.J. Packer
Praise and prayer go hand in hand. Together they lift us above our circumstances into the presence of God. We seek Him in prayer and exalt Him in praise. Praise is a key component of worshiping God. We worship Him in the splendor of His holiness and give Him all glory (Psalm 96:9).
We praise God for who He is… our Mighty Lord… our King of kings… our loving Creator. For He is one God in three persons… Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He is the One to whom we direct all our glory and praise. We approach Him not merely to ask of Him, but to remember all that He has already given us.
Praise awakens our spirits to the wonder of our God… to the glory of His majesty… to the magnificence of His presence. Praise reminds us of His infinite grace… His perfect holiness… His eternal love. Praise opens our hearts to His ever-presence with us… to His indwelling peace…. to His neverending joy. Praise remembers His blessings… recalls His mercies… reminds us of His faithfulness.
Praise is not just to be given to God on the mountaintops of our spiritual walk. We praise Him in the valleys… in times of sorrow, darkness, loneliness or despair. Praise shifts our focus off of ourselves and upon the God of all creation. We praise Him in anticipation of all He will do in our lives. Praise reminds us of our future eternity ever praising Him in all His glory.
“Through Jesus… let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” – Hebrews 13:15
Praise can become a part of our daily walk. How can we praise Him with worthy words? King David devotes so many lines of his psalms to praising his Lord. David’s praises look ahead to the coming Messiah… our King and Savior, Jesus Christ. His praises echo the chorus in heaven worshiping God.
Let us take David’s psalms and glorify our holy God with words of praise. Take time to praise the One who is your life with these verses. Print them out and keep them close by. Memorize, write on your heart the verses that are especially meaningful to you. Praising God will bring His blessings to your life.
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† “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
† “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be over all the earth.”– Psalm 57:11
† “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.” – Psalm 34:1
† “I will praise You, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. For great is Your love toward me.” – Psalm 86:12-13
† “Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.” – Psalm 63:3-4
† “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful.” – Psalm 139:14
† “O my Strength, to You I sing praises, for You, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.” – Psalm 59:17
† “I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O Lord, I will sing praises.” – Psalm 101:1
† “I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.” – Psalm 13:5-6
† “I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” – Psalm 7:17
† “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:7-8
† “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:1-5
† “I will exalt You, my God and King, and praise Your name forever and ever.” – Psalm 145:1
† “The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!” – Psalm 18:46
† “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Hallelujah!” – Psalm 150:6
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