In what ways can we incorporate praise into our daily conversations with God? Psalm 66:17 at a Glance “I cried out to Him with my mouth, and His praise was on my tongue.” This single verse shows two simultaneous actions—petition and praise—reminding us that every request can be wrapped in adoration. Why Praise Belongs in Every Prayer • Praise re-centers us on God’s character before we speak about our needs (Psalm 34:1). • It aligns our hearts with heaven’s continual worship (Revelation 4:8). • It builds faith, rehearsing what God has already done (Psalm 103:2). Practical Ways to Weave Praise into Prayer • Start with a name: open each prayer by declaring one attribute of God—“Father, You are faithful,” “Lord, You are my Shepherd.” (Psalm 100:3) • Recall yesterday’s mercies: briefly thank Him for a specific answer to prayer you saw in the last 24 hours. (Lamentations 3:22-23) • Use Scripture as vocabulary: pray a verse of praise aloud—e.g., Isaiah 25:1, Psalm 145:1-3. • Sing a line: hum or whisper a chorus that magnifies God, even if only a few seconds. (Ephesians 5:19) • Alphabet praise: work through the alphabet naming qualities of God—A: Almighty, B: Benevolent, C: Creator. • Praise before petition: list two traits of God before stating each request; the request then rests on who He is. (Philippians 4:6) Living Praise Throughout the Day • Morning mirror time: while getting ready, speak one sentence of praise; let it be the first spoken word of the day. • Commute cues: every red light or stop sign becomes a trigger to thank God for one blessing. • Meal moments: add a sentence of praise alongside thanksgiving for the food. • Screen breaks: whenever you unlock your phone, whisper a quick “Jesus, You are worthy.” • Night-time rewind: review the day, praising God for three ways He showed His presence. (Psalm 92:1-2) Scripture Fuel for Continual Praise • Hebrews 13:15 — “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…” • Colossians 3:16 — “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you… singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:18 — “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” • Psalm 71:8 — “My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long.” Keep these verses handy; let them prompt spontaneous praise. The Outcome of Praising While Praying • Anxiety gives way to peace (Philippians 4:6-7). • Faith is strengthened as we remember God’s past faithfulness. • Our conversations with God feel less transactional, more relational. • Others notice a spirit of gratitude that points them to Christ (Matthew 5:16). Psalm 66:17 invites us into a rhythm where every cry is accompanied by acclaim. Make praise the soundtrack of your prayers, and watch your communion with God grow deeper, richer, and more joyful. |
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