In what ways can we incorporate praise into our prayer life? Our Anchor Verse “Now therefore, our God, we give You thanks, and we praise Your glorious name.” — 1 Chronicles 29:13 Why Praise Belongs in Prayer • Praise turns the focus from our needs to God’s greatness. • It agrees with the truth of who God is (Psalm 145:3). • It prepares our hearts for deeper fellowship (Psalm 100:4). Begin with Thanksgiving • Thank God for His daily mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Verbalize specific blessings from the past 24 hours. • Keep a running list so fresh gratitude flows naturally. Declare God’s Attributes • His holiness — “Holy, holy, holy” (Isaiah 6:3). • His power — “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). • His steadfast love — “For His loving devotion endures forever” (Psalm 136:1). Speaking these attributes aloud transforms prayer into worship. Rehearse His Works • Creation: celebrate His handiwork (Psalm 19:1). • Redemption: thank Him for the cross (Ephesians 1:7). • Personal testimonies: recall times He answered prayer (Psalm 103:2). Pray Scripture Back to God • Psalm 34, 103, and 145 supply ready-made praise. • Insert personal pronouns: “You forgive all my iniquity, You heal all my diseases” (Psalm 103:3). • Let God’s words shape your vocabulary of worship. Sing Within Prayer • Ephesians 5:19 encourages “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” • Hum or sing a chorus quietly; melody imprints truth on the heart. • Even a single line—“Great is Thy Faithfulness”—can elevate private prayer. Blend Praise and Petition • Philippians 4:6 couples requests with thanksgiving. • After praising God’s wisdom, ask for guidance; His character undergirds confidence. • Alternate: praise, request, praise again. Praise in Every Season • Giving thanks “in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) fortifies the soul. • Habakkuk praised though fields were barren (Habakkuk 3:17-18). • Choose to bless His name whether days feel bright or bleak. Keep Praise Specific and Fresh • Rotate attributes: one day focus on sovereignty, another on mercy. • Use a journal to note new reasons each week. • Avoid vague phrases—name precise acts of grace. Practical Steps for This Week 1. Open every prayer with one full minute of uninterrupted praise. 2. Read aloud Psalm 145 each morning. 3. List three new blessings daily and thank God for each by name. 4. Sing a hymn or worship chorus during your commute as prayerful praise. 5. When burdened, pause to declare an attribute—“Lord, You are faithful”—before presenting the need. Integrating praise as David did in 1 Chronicles 29:13 draws us into God-centered communion, turning routine petitions into vibrant, faith-filled conversation with our glorious King. |
    |