Definition and Importance
Praise from humanity refers to the act of expressing admiration, reverence, and gratitude towards God. It is a fundamental aspect of worship and is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition. Praise is not only a response to God's character and deeds but also a commandment and a natural expression of faith. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, goodness, and mercy.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible is replete with exhortations and examples of praise. The Psalms, in particular, serve as a rich repository of hymns and prayers that extol the virtues of God. Psalm 150:6 declares, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" This verse encapsulates the universal call for all creation to engage in praise.

Forms of Praise
Praise can be expressed in various forms, including singing, speaking, and living a life that honors God. Singing is a prominent form of praise, as seen in Ephesians 5:19 : "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord." The act of singing not only uplifts the spirit but also unites believers in a shared expression of faith.

Praise in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, praise is often associated with the mighty acts of God, such as creation, deliverance, and provision. The Israelites frequently praised God for their deliverance from Egypt, as seen in Exodus 15:1-2 : "Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD: 'I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted. The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.'"

Praise in the New Testament
The New Testament continues the theme of praise, emphasizing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. In Luke 2:13-14 , the birth of Christ is heralded by a multitude of angels praising God: "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a great multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!'"

The Role of Praise in the Church
Praise is integral to the life of the Church. It is a communal activity that strengthens the body of Christ and fosters spiritual growth. Colossians 3:16 instructs believers: "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

Praise as a Spiritual Weapon
Praise is also depicted as a spiritual weapon against the forces of darkness. In 2 Chronicles 20:21-22 , King Jehoshaphat appointed singers to praise the Lord before the battle, and as they sang, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies: "After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out before the army, saying: 'Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.' As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated."

Personal and Corporate Praise
While personal praise is vital for individual spiritual health, corporate praise is essential for the edification of the Church. Hebrews 13:15 encourages believers: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name." This verse highlights the continuous nature of praise and its role as a sacrifice pleasing to God.

Conclusion
Praise from humanity is a multifaceted expression of worship that encompasses gratitude, reverence, and acknowledgment of God's greatness. It is both a personal and communal act that reflects the believer's relationship with God and plays a crucial role in the life of the Church.