Read: Prayers of Praise (Dr. Roels)

Introduction

For some people, prayer seems to be primarily a means of getting something from God. If they have a need or wish or desire, they ask God to take care of it for them. And that is the extent of their praying.

It certainly is not wrong to ask God for things we need. God invites us to pray about everything, and He graciously answers our prayers in many wonderful ways. But our prayer life should not be focused first of all on what we need or want. Our primary focus should be on bringing praise to God for who He is and for what He has done. When we do that, God is honored and glorified. And glorifying God should always be the primary purpose of our lives.

There may, of course, be times in our lives when it is difficult to praise God because of the burdens we bear or the trials we experience. But God is even more glorified when we praise Him under those challenging circumstances.

When our sincere and genuine praise is stifled by trials or muffled by tears, and we demonstrate that we still believe God is worthy of our praise, we truly praise His name. And when we continue to praise God even when life is very hard for us, God often responds to our prayers in a special way--with the result that we praise Him even more!

When we look around our world and see that there are multitudes of people who are not praising or honoring our Lord, we might easily become discouraged. It's important for us, therefore, to remember that every moment of every day God is being praised by His people around the world. It's also important to remember that in heaven multitudes of saints and angels are praising God without ceasing as they worship and praise Him in humble adoration (Revelation 4:8-11 and 5:8-14).

And it's encouraging to know that some day we who love the Lord will join with multitudes of others in praising Him forever in a place of never-ending joy and delight (Revelation 21:22-27; 22:1-5; Ephesians 3:20-21).

QUESTIONS ABOUT PRAISE

1. What is the difference between thanksgiving and praise?

2. How can we praise God in our prayers?

3. How can we make praise a more meaningful part of our prayers?

4. What is the meaning of the word "HALLELUJAH”?

A BEAUTIFUL PSALM OF PRAISE

In this Lesson we will look at a number of verses under separate headings as we remind ourselves of the many reasons we have to bring honor and glory and praise to our great Creator and Redeemer. We begin with a beautiful reading from the Psalms.

"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens. . . .
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet. . . .
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth.” Psalm 8

THE CALL TO PRAISE

"Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!” Psalm 34:3

"Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!” Psalm 113:1-3

"Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.” Psalm 147:1

"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

"Through him [Jesus] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:15

PRAISE GOD FOR WHO HE IS

We must study the Bible faithfully so that we will understand better what our God is really like. If we fail to do that, we may forget how gracious and kind He is . . . how holy and righteous . . . how merciful and mighty. . .how majestic and powerful.

Scripture References

"Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD! . . . The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens! Who is like the LORD our God who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?” Psalm 113:1, 4-6

"The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. Great is the LORD in Zion; he is exalted over all the nations. Let them praise your great and awesome name--he is holy.” Psalm 99:1-3

"O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven or on earth, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart.” 2 Chronicles 6:14

"[God] is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:15b-16

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS WONDERFUL CREATION

When we read in the Bible about God's incredible power in creation and when we witness the majesty of that creation, we should continually be inspired to bring Him honor and glory and praise. Regrettably, many people see the wonder and beauty of our world and the incredible complexity of living beings, but fail to recognize the One who created all these things. The Psalmists in the Old Testament, however, recognized creation as the handiwork of the almighty Creator and gave Him glory and praise for His marvelous works.

Scripture References

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun.” Psalm 19:1-4

"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.” Psalm 148:1-5

"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. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:1-5

Other writers in both Old Testament and New Testament recognized the creative power of the One who created our universe and joyfully expressed their praise.

"Stand up and bless the LORD your God, from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” Nehemiah 9:5-6

"Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS MAJESTY AND GLORY

Although there are thousands of "gods” who have been worshiped and praised at one time or another, there is only one true God who alone is glorious and worthy of praise. All other gods are worthless and are nothing more than the "creations” of the ones who worship them. The people of Israel knew this, but at times they were enticed by lust or greed or thoughtlessness to worship the false gods of the nations around them.

However, faithful writers in both Old Testament and New Testament times clearly and passionately recognized the God of creation as the only God whom they should humbly, joyfully, and faithfully worship and praise.

Scripture References

"Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory!” Psalm 72:18-19

"Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! . . . Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” Psalm 96:1-6

"I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.” Psalm 145:1-5

"Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty. . . . Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you.” Revelation 15:3-4

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS GREATNESS AND POWER

In a world that frequently applauds the accomplishments and creations of men, it's important for Christians to recognize and praise God as the ultimate Source of all creative power and achievements of human beings. The Psalmists not only praised God themselves, but they also called all "kingdoms of the earth” to exalt the name and power of the one true God.

"Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.” Psalm 150:2

"Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious! Say to God, 'How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. All the earth bows down to you; they sing praises to you, they sing praises to your name!'” Psalm 66:1-4

"Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth, sing praise to the LORD . . . Proclaim the power of God, whose majesty is over Israel, whose power is in the skies. You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary . . . Praise be to God!” Psalm 68:32-36

"Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. . . . Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.” Psalm 150:1-2, 6

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS MERCY AND COMPASSION

The Lord answers the prayers of His people for mercy and compassion in many different and wonderful ways. He heals the sick, comforts the sorrowing, strengthens the weak, shelters the homeless, feeds the hungry, forgivers the repentant, and showers His people with blessings beyond number.

One of the greatest blessings of His mercy is the forgiveness of the sins of those who acknowledge their failures and who look to Him for pardon and reconciliation. Those who do not recognize their own sins or who seek to find pardon through their own efforts not only fail to find the forgiveness they need and desire, but they also fail to bring praise to God for the wonders of His mercy and compassion.

Scripture References

"Bless the LORD, O my soul . . . and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103:2-5

"The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:6-7

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. . . . Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!” Psalm 103:8-12, 22

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS

One of the best known verses in the Bible is John 3:16 where we read that "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Most Bible students are also familiar with the words of God in 1 John 4:8 where we read that "God is love.”

However, long before the New Testament was written, Old Testament writers also extolled the love of God. These writers recognized that God was faithful to all His loving promises and acknowledged that He was a God upon whom His people could always depend. The writers also called on other nations to praise the God of Israel as they emphasized that His faithfulness endured through all generations--in spite of His people's frequent failures to love and serve and obey Him. God's mercies never come to an end, and He is forever worthy of our highest praise.

Scripture References

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:4-5

"Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!” Psalm 117:1-2

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

"I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart . . . and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness.” Psalm 138:1-2

"It is good to . . . sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.” Psalm 92:1-2

PRAISE GOD FOR MEETING OUR NEEDS

Though the people of Israel often failed to recognize God's blessings in Old Testament times, the Psalmists frequently wrote hymns of praise for the wonderful ways in which He had provided for His chosen people. God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, provided them with food and water in the wilderness, gave them the land of Canaan as an inheritance, saved them from their enemies, and provided them with many daily blessings. The persons who wrote the Psalms recalled God's faithfulness in meeting their needs and expressed their praise in meaningful songs of praise which were sung in the temple and likely also in many homes.

Christians today have even more reasons to sing praise to God for His daily blessing, as they create their own hymns of praise and also join thousands of others in singing the songs of praise found in the Bible.

Scripture References

"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. . . . who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free, the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless.” Psalm 146:1, 7-9

"The LORD upholds all those who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.

The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. . . . My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.” Psalm 145:14-16, 21

"Sing to God, sing praises to his name . . . Father of the fatherless and protector of widows. . . . God sets the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity.” Psalm 68:4-6

"Praise be to the LORD, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Psalm 68:19

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS SPECIAL BLESSINGS TO YOU

It's a great privilege to join with others in singing and praying words of praise which you can share together. However, it is also a great privilege to be able to pray and sing praise to God for the special gifts of grace which He has given to you personally. Although we all share many of God's blessings together, most of us have also been blessed in special ways in our personal or family lives.

Praising God in general terms for "all His blessings” is good and important, but it is also good, as the song writer challenged us, to "count our many blessings and name them one by one.” Just as God never seems to tire of giving us His abundant blessings, we should never tire of giving Him our heartfelt and sincere praise for those blessings--mentioning them thoughtfully, joyfully, and thankfully "one by one.”

Scripture References

"Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. I cried to him with my mouth, and high praise was on my tongue. . . . Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me!” Psalm 66:16-20

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears . . . This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.” Psalm 34:4, 6

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever!” Psalm 30:11-12

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.” Psalm 40:1-3

PRAISE GOD FOR HIS WONDERFUL SALVATION

Of all the gifts which God gives us, none is greater or more significant than the gift of salvation. Without the assurance of living with our gracious Lord throughout eternity, the value and significance of our earthly blessings would be far less. Many people go through their early life with good health, abundant possessions, and relative freedom from pain, suffering, or distress. However, they do not have the blessed assurance of spending eternity with Jesus. Others experience numerous trials, frustrations, disappointments and hardships during their earthly pilgrimage but they have the comfort and joy of knowing that their Lord and Savior is preparing for them a place of perfect peace and unending happiness.

Scripture References

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” 1 Peter 1:3-5

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.” Ephesians 1:3-8

PRAISE GOD UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

It is usually much easier for us to sing God's praises and offer Him our prayers of praise when things are going well for us. However, when we experience trials or difficulties, we can easily forget the undeserved blessings we received in the past and bemoan our present situation. That may be understandable, but it certainly is not appropriate. God does not change and His kindness does not change. Genuine praise should not fluctuate according to our circumstances, but should always be a significant part of our daily lives.

Scripture References

"Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live.” Psalm 63:3-4

"My praise is continually of you . . . My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.” Psalm 71:6, 8

"I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1

"Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! I will praise the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” Psalm 146:1-2

A CONCLUDING CHALLENGE

One of the most remarkable passages on praise in the Bible is found in Habakkuk 3:17-19. In the first part of his book, Habakkuk challenged the Lord with some pressing questions which deeply troubled him. During his "dialog” with the Lord, Habakkuk came to the rewarding realization that he did not have to have answers to all his questions before he could praise the Lord. When he began to focus on God rather than on his circumstances or his personal comfort, words of praise came naturally and easily. God was always worthy of praise and glory and honor--no matter what happened in his own life. Habakkuk was therefore able to conclude his message with this powerful and wonderful profession:

"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer's;
he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19