When we offer a prayer of praise to God, we focus on His character and how His works have impacted our lives. We can express our appreciation to God in various ways such as with words, lifted hands, singing, dancing and instruments.
Praise is not based on our emotions
The offering of praise to God is based on His greatness and mighty acts and not our feelings. God expects us to praise Him even when we don’t feel like it. King David praised God when he was joyful, fearful, and angry. Moreover, he demonstrated that every situation offered an opportunity to praise God.
Paul and Silas were thrown into prison for preaching the gospel. Their feet were in stocks, and their backs were beaten (Acts 16:22-24). In verses 25-26, at about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. As a result of their praise, suddenly there came a great earthquake that opened the prison doors (Acts 16:24, 25). Praise was the channel in which God’s power operated in Paul and Silas’ circumstances and brought them deliverance. Praising God when going through difficult circumstances doesn’t mean we are hearts are not heavy. Instead, it redirects our focus on who God is.
A prayer of praise to God brings His presence
The offering of praise to God brings us into God’s presence and shifts our focus from our problems to Him. In addition, praise to God lifts our burden and drives fear and worry away!
When we praise God for what He has done, we soon find ourselves worshiping Him for who He is. Praise is boldly declaring, while worship is humbly bowing in the presence of a Holy God. In the spiritual tabernacle of God, we enter His gates with “thanksgiving,” the outer courts “with praise,” and the holy of holies with “worship.” The Bible says, “Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,” (Psalm 29:2).
The Bible says that God inhabits in the praises of His people, “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabits the praises of Israel,” (Psalm 22:3). In other words, God “dwells” in the atmosphere of His praise. When we offer praise to God, we are acknowledging Him as our King and offering Him a throne to sit upon.
A prayer of praise to God is a weapon in spiritual warfare
The power of praise in battles is shown in 2 Chronicles 20, Psalm 8:2, and Psalm 149:5-9. Praise helps us to remain focused and dependent upon God. As we give Him our battle, He goes to war on our behalf and gives us victory. This makes praise and dependence on God great weapons in spiritual battles.
Praise Scriptures to pray
The Book of Psalms is the largest book in the Bible and filled with praises to God. Here are a few Scriptures you can use in your personal time of praise to God.
- I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High (Psalm 9:1-2).
- I praise You, O God, for You alone perform marvelous deeds. I praise Your glorious name forever. May the whole earth be filled with Your glory (Psalm 72:18-19).
- I will sing to You all my life. I will sing praise to You, my God, as long as I live. May the words of my heart be pleasing to You. (Psalm 104: 33-34).
- You do wonderful things, more than anyone could ask for. The things You do are great and glorious! There is no end to Your goodness. You do amazing things so that we will remember that You are kind and merciful (Psalm 111:2-4).
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