Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Importance Praise to God is the act of expressing reverence, adoration, and gratitude towards the Almighty. It is a fundamental aspect of Christian worship and is deeply rooted in the Scriptures. Praise is not only a response to God's goodness and mercy but also a commandment for believers, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will.
Biblical Foundation The Bible is replete with exhortations to praise God. In the Old Testament, the Psalms serve as a primary source of praise, with many psalms explicitly dedicated to extolling God's attributes and deeds.
Psalm 150:6 declares, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" This verse encapsulates the universal call for all creation to honor God.
In the New Testament, praise continues to be a vital expression of faith.
Ephesians 5:19-20 encourages believers to speak "to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Forms of Praise Praise can be expressed in various forms, including singing, prayer, proclamation, and acts of service. Singing is perhaps the most common form, as seen in the Psalms and the early church's practice.
Colossians 3:16 instructs, "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."
Prayer is another vital form of praise, where believers communicate their adoration and thanksgiving directly to God. The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus in
Matthew 6:9-13, begins with praise: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name."
Purpose of Praise Praise serves multiple purposes in the life of a believer. It glorifies God, acknowledging His sovereignty, holiness, and love.
Psalm 29:2 urges, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."
Praise also edifies the believer, fostering a spirit of joy and gratitude. It shifts focus from personal circumstances to God's eternal nature and promises.
Philippians 4:4 exhorts, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
Furthermore, praise is a powerful testimony to others, demonstrating the believer's faith and trust in God.
Acts 16:25 recounts how Paul and Silas, imprisoned, prayed and sang hymns to God, leading to a miraculous deliverance and the conversion of the jailer and his household.
Praise in the Life of Jesus Jesus Christ, the perfect model for believers, exemplified a life of praise. He frequently gave thanks to the Father, as seen in
Matthew 11:25 : "At that time Jesus declared, 'I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children.'"
Eternal Praise The Bible reveals that praise is not limited to earthly life but extends into eternity.
Revelation 5:13 provides a glimpse of heavenly worship: "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!'"
Conclusion While a conclusion is not provided, the entry highlights the significance of praise as an integral part of the Christian faith, deeply rooted in Scripture and exemplified by Jesus Christ. Praise is both a duty and a delight, drawing believers closer to God and reflecting His glory to the world.