Topical Bible: Praise: should be offered with the Whole Heart

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Praise, as an expression of reverence and adoration towards God, is a central theme throughout the Bible. It is not merely a ritualistic or superficial act but is intended to be a heartfelt offering, emanating from the depths of one's being. The Scriptures emphasize that true praise must be offered with the whole heart, reflecting sincerity, devotion, and a genuine acknowledgment of God's majesty and goodness.

Biblical Foundation

The call to praise God with the whole heart is rooted in numerous passages throughout the Bible. In Psalm 9:1, the psalmist declares, "I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders." This verse highlights the importance of wholeheartedness in praise, suggesting that it involves a complete and undivided focus on God's deeds and character.

Similarly, Psalm 111:1 states, "Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly." Here, the psalmist emphasizes the communal aspect of praise, indicating that wholehearted praise is not only personal but also shared among believers, enhancing the collective worship experience.

Characteristics of Wholehearted Praise

1. Sincerity and Truthfulness: Wholehearted praise is marked by authenticity. It is not performed out of obligation or routine but arises from a genuine love and awe for God. In John 4:24, Jesus teaches, "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth." This underscores the necessity of sincerity in worship, including praise.

2. Undivided Attention: To praise with the whole heart means to focus entirely on God, setting aside distractions and competing affections. Psalm 86:12 expresses this sentiment: "I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever."

3. Joy and Gratitude: Wholehearted praise is often accompanied by joy and gratitude, recognizing God's blessings and faithfulness. Psalm 138:1 captures this essence: "I will give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I will sing Your praises."

4. Commitment and Consistency: Offering praise with the whole heart involves a steadfast commitment to worship God in all circumstances. This is evident in Psalm 119:10, where the psalmist pledges, "With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments."

Examples of Wholehearted Praise

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who praised God with their whole hearts. King David is a prominent figure known for his passionate and heartfelt worship. In 2 Samuel 6:14, David is described as "dancing before the LORD with all his might," illustrating his exuberant and wholehearted praise.

Another example is found in the life of Hannah, who, after receiving the blessing of a child, offers a prayer of praise in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Her prayer reflects deep gratitude and recognition of God's sovereignty, demonstrating her wholehearted devotion.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to praise God with the whole heart is a call to engage fully in worship, offering God the honor and reverence He deserves. Through sincerity, undivided attention, joy, and commitment, believers are encouraged to cultivate a lifestyle of wholehearted praise, reflecting their love and devotion to the Almighty.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 9:1
I will praise you, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will show forth all your marvelous works.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 111:1
Praise you the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 138:1
I will praise you with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

With How Great Reverence Christ must be Received
... celebrated the feast of its dedication, offered a thousand ... no unmeet thought ought
to intrude, nor should any creature ... the people of Israel to praise God with ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter i with how great.htm

Of the Law.
... If I should be hungry, I would not tell thee ... Sacrifice to God the sacrifice of praise,
and pay ... was both circumcised, and sprinkled, and offered sacrifices and ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv of the law.htm

Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ...
... Chapter VI."Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly ... of the gods of the Greeks,
should they not ... as the turtle-dove and the pigeon offered for sins ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi prayers and praise from.htm

Faustus Fails to Understand Why He Should be Required Either to ...
... the whole Old Testament Scriptures their due praise as true ... would not," he says,
"that ye should have fellowship ... fault with sacrifice itself, as offered by the ...
/.../faustus fails to understand why.htm

Our Lady's Candle-Mass
... Then she offered herself and all that she had to God ... on His dear Mother, to whom
we should, at least ... We praise thy virginity, we marvel at thy lowliness, but ...
/.../tauler/the inner way/sermon vii our ladys candle-mass.htm

The First Chapter: the Great Reverence with which we Should ...
... Your life-giving Godhead no unbecoming thought should arise and ... in those days and
such ceremony in praise of God ... are many priests and Mass is offered in many ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the first chapter the great.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... sacrifice of peace-offerings, which he offered unto the ... prayer into two petitions,
preceded by praise for national ... and object of our nature, we should give our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

The Alarum
... We want our souls awakened, next, so that we may remember to whom our praise
is offered. ... With what earnestness of spirit should we praise! ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the alarum.htm

The Circumcision of the Heart
... man I say, has A title to the praise of God ... eye, and cast it from him ;" " that he
should ever dream ... Let it be continual offered up to God through Christ, in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 17 the circumcision of.htm

Letter xxvii. (AD 395. )
... Praise and thanksgiving are offered to God, by whose grace ... to me as a servant, you
should forget to ... not coveting praise to myself, but rendering praise to the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxvii a d 395.htm