PRAISE PRAYERS
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven! Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!
Psalm 150:1-2 (NLT)
My mom used to take the four of us to the Presbyterian Church, and I remember singing Doxology. I still sing it today—around the house, in the shower, anytime. (I’m humming it now!) When I ask Alexa to play it, a couple of versions come up, both beautiful. I especially love a cappella singing without music. Fun fact: In Italian, a cappella means in the style of the chapel, from early church worship without instruments. Here are the beautiful words written so long ago, offering praise to the Trinity… Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
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!
Thomas Ken, Author 1695
Worship songs are more than melody, notes, words, crescendos and choruses. They blend all these, but at heart, they’re like prayers. When we sing, our voices offer praise—and praise itself is prayer. Prayer isn’t only asking; it begins with adoration of God, moves to thanksgiving for His goodness, presents others’ needs, and brings our own requests. In the end, it’s all offered to the Lord, for His glory.
Here’s a beautiful praise prayer called Beautiful by Ben Laine. It’s on my favorite bedtime playlist on Amazon Music, and it brings tears to my eyes.
[Chorus] You're beautiful, You’re wonderful Worthy is the King above all kings You're masterful, my all in all There's no greater song that I can sing You're my everything
APPLICATION: What’s your favorite praise and worship song? The next time you sing along, try making it your prayer. Focus on the words and bring glory to the Lord.
PRAYER: Father, may my praise prayers bring glory to Your name! Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?