There’s a lot we don’t know about heaven. We don’t know exactly what heaven will look like – or what we will look like! But, praise God, I do know how we will be spending much of our time. We will be praising God for all eternity!
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb Be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13, NIV
We will be in the visible presence of God. Freed completely from our sinful, earthly shackles we can praise God with total abandon. That will be our primary heavenly activity. And it will be glorious!
Yet how often do we praise God here on earth? God deserves it. He also commands it. And frankly, I need the practice. What about you?
2 Reasons to Praise God
- He is worthy – God deserves our praise. In fact, He alone deserves all praise: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11).
- He commands it – Throughout Scripture, the summons to God’s people to praise Him is most often in the imperative form. God commands us to praise Him. And like all His commands, praising God is not only fitting because He is worthy, it’s also for our good. (See “9 Benefits of Praise.“) He created us to worship and praise Him. So when we do, we are fulfilling the purpose of our lives.
What does it mean to Praise God?
I looked up a few of the words used in the Psalms as a call to praise – words like praise, extol, bless, exalt, glory, and laud. I will attempt to wrap it all up in one summary.
Praise is an act of humbling and submitting ourselves before the One who is worthy. It is recognizing God’s high and lofty position and expressing adoration for Him and His divine qualities. It is voicing sincere and deep gratitude for who He is and what He has done.
What does “praise” look like?
Our creative God has given us a variety of ways to praise Him. Praise can be expressed through speaking, singing, dancing, and music:
Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. Psalm 149:1-3, NIV
Let’s Practice Praise
Is your praiser a little rusty? Spend a few minutes practicing today. If you need help getting started, turn to the end of Psalms. The last six, 145-150 are particularly heavy with praise.
King David was the ultimate worship leader. The Psalms are filled with his songs of praise. Not only are they models for us, they can also “prime the pump” for our own praise. Here are a few ways we can use them:
- Prayerfully read them out loud back to God.
- Reword them as your own and pray them back to God.
- Use David’s praise as your starting point. Elaborate on them in prayer.
Let’s fill the comments with praise today! God calls us to individual praise and corporate praise. Today, let’s share words of praise with each other here in the comments. You can use a verse from one of the Psalms that reflects your heart or use your own words.
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So so good!!! SO TRUE!!!
Hi Zeke, thanks for stopping by! And thank you so much for your leadership in worship!
As I struggle with insignificance, I praise God for giving me purpose and significance. I thank Him that I matter and am important to Him. I thank Him for my value, which He paid for with Jesus’ blood.
Amen Kari! Thank you for sharing that with us!
Love how God can use the words posted long ago to help someone today! Y’see I’m doing a Bible app plan with some friends. Today’s scripture readings impressed me with this lesson—practice praise. Loved finding your blog with the same title. Have shared your closing suggestion with my friends☺️ As I sit here today with a sore hand due to doing an unusual repetitive motion ystrdy, I’m very aware of what we lose by inactivity. May I not only develop but keep praise muscles for the remainder of my life, stepping into eternity well practiced and strong! For His glory
Hi Jo, I so glad you found the post! I love that God used it to encourage you today! It is a good time for all of us to practice praise!
Praise Jesus He never leaves us or forsakes us. Completing the good work in us that He started. Even when we are in the trenches He is faithful.
Yes! Amen!
My heart cries out to the Lord in thanksgiving for all He has done and will do.
“I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His righteousness,
and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” Psalm 7:17
Jane, thank you for sharing this verse. Yes, the Lord deserves our praise!
Kathy, I absolutely LOVE this! It is awesome to see God moving through you as you point people to Jesus! Keep up the GREAT work! THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!
Jared, thanks for coming by today! So excited about what God has ahead for Birnham Woods!
This is awesome! Perfect timing for me.
Susan, so glad it encouraged you today!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
He is mighty, most awesome, and more than we can think or imagine. He gives me reason to worship, praise, and express gratitude for all the days of my life.
I was reading in the Psalms yesterday and read in Psalm 145:3 “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise.” It started me singing the hymn, Great is the Lord. Thank you, Kathy, for calling us to praise the Lord. He is indeed worthy of all praise!
Praise, praise God that we are secure in the knowledge that HE is in full control during this unsettled time.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost
AMEN!!!