Topical Encyclopedia Praise, as an integral component of public worship, is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition and is a vital expression of the believer's relationship with God. Throughout Scripture, praise is depicted as both a personal and communal act, reflecting the glory and majesty of God and acknowledging His works, character, and promises.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament provides numerous examples of praise within the context of public worship. The Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, are replete with calls to praise God. Psalm 100:4 exhorts worshipers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." This verse highlights the communal aspect of worship, where the assembly of believers is encouraged to come together in a spirit of gratitude and adoration. The dedication of Solomon's Temple is another significant event where public praise is prominently featured. In 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 , it is recorded that "the trumpeters and singers joined together to praise and thank the LORD with one voice. They lifted up their voices, accompanied by trumpets, cymbals, and musical instruments, in praise to the LORD: 'For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.' Then the house—the house of the LORD—was filled with a cloud." This passage illustrates the use of music and song in corporate worship, emphasizing the collective nature of praise. New Testament Practice In the New Testament, the early church continued the tradition of public praise. The book of Acts provides insight into the worship practices of the first Christians. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early believers as "continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people." This passage underscores the joy and unity that characterized the early church's worship, with praise being a central element. The apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently encourages the practice of praise within the church. In Ephesians 5:19-20 , he instructs believers to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Here, Paul emphasizes the role of music and song in fostering a spirit of praise and thanksgiving among the congregation. Theological Significance Praise in public worship serves several theological purposes. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and an expression of reverence and awe. Psalm 22:3 declares, "Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel." This verse suggests that God is uniquely present and enthroned in the praises of His people, highlighting the sacred nature of communal worship. Moreover, praise is a response to God's redemptive work. In Revelation 5:9-10 , the heavenly hosts sing a new song, proclaiming, "Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." This eschatological vision of worship underscores the redemptive focus of praise, celebrating the salvation accomplished through Jesus Christ. Practical Expressions In contemporary Christian worship, praise is expressed through various forms, including singing, prayer, and the reading of Scripture. Music, in particular, plays a significant role in facilitating corporate praise, allowing the congregation to unite their voices in adoration and thanksgiving. Instruments and choirs often accompany the singing, enhancing the worship experience and drawing the assembly into a deeper awareness of God's presence. Public praise also involves the proclamation of God's Word, as the truths of Scripture inspire and inform the worship of the gathered community. Preaching and teaching serve to exalt God's character and works, prompting a response of praise from the congregation. In summary, praise is an essential aspect of public worship, deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and practiced by the faithful throughout history. It is a communal act that glorifies God, edifies the church, and bears witness to the world of God's greatness and grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 9:14That I may show forth all your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in your salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 100:4 Psalm 118:19,20 Hebrews 2:12 Library Psalm 84 Part 1 the Pleasure of Public Worship. Psalm 84:1. First Part. LM The Pleasure of Public Worship. Psalm 42:1. 1-5. First Part. Desertion and Hope; Or, Complaint of ... Psalm 118 Part 2 Public Praise for Deliverance from Death. Psalm 42 Part 1 Desertion and Hope; Or, Complaint of Absence from ... Psalm 118:2. 17-21. Second Part. Public Praise for Deliverance ... Modern Movements in Presbyterian Churches Respecting Public ... The Worship of the Church. The Religion of the Primitive ... Presbyterian Worship Outside of the Established Church of Scotland ... Knox's Book of Common Order. Resources What does it mean to give a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the psalms of praise? | GotQuestions.org What is a garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)? | GotQuestions.org Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals Praise for God's Goodness to Righteous Men Praise is a Part of Public Worship Praise is Due to God on Account of all Spiritual Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of all Temporal Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of Answering Prayer Praise is Due to God on Account of Constant Preservation Praise is Due to God on Account of Deliverance Praise is Due to God on Account of Fulfilling of his Promises Praise is Due to God on Account of His Consolation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Counsel Praise is Due to God on Account of His Excellency Praise is Due to God on Account of His Faithfulness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Glory Praise is Due to God on Account of His Goodness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Greatness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Holiness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Judgment Praise is Due to God on Account of His Loving-Kindness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Majesty Praise is Due to God on Account of His Mercy Praise is Due to God on Account of His Power Praise is Due to God on Account of His Salvation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wisdom Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wonderful Works Praise is Due to God on Account of Pardon of Sin Praise is Due to God on Account of Protection Praise is Due to God on Account of Spiritual Health Praise is Due to God on Account of The Continuance of Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of The Hope of Glory Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Creation Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Men Praise is Obligatory Upon: Angels Praise is Obligatory Upon: Children Praise is Obligatory Upon: Gentiles Praise is Obligatory Upon: High and Low Praise is Obligatory Upon: Saints Praise is Obligatory Upon: Small and Great Praise is Obligatory Upon: Young and Old Praise of David: At the Close of his Reign Praise of David: Celebrating his Deliverance from the Hand of Saul Praise of David: On Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Zion Praise of Deborah, After Defeating the Canaanites Praise: Acceptable Through Christ Praise: Accompanied With Musical Instruments Praise: Called The: Calves of the Lips Praise: Called The: Fruit of the Lips Praise: Called The: Garment of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifice of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifices of Joy Praise: Called The: Voice of a Psalm Praise: Called The: Voice of Melody Praise: Called The: Voice of Praise Praise: Called The: Voice of Triumph Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Praise: Saints should be Endued With the Spirit of Praise: Saints should Express Their Joy By Praise: Saints should Glory In Praise: Saints should Invite Others To Praise: Saints should Posture Suited To Praise: Saints should Pray for Ability to offer Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction Praise: Saints should Show Forth Praise: Saints should Triumph In Praise: should be offered for Ever and Ever Praise: should be offered in Psalms and Hymns Praise: should be offered with Gladness Praise: should be offered with Joy Praise: should be offered with Thankfulness Praise: should be offered with the Lips Praise: should be offered with the Mouth Praise: should be offered with the Soul Praise: should be offered with the Understanding Praise: should be offered with the Whole Heart Praise: should be offered with Uprightness of Heart Praise: should be offered: Continually Praise: should be offered: Day and Night Praise: should be offered: Day by Day Praise: should be offered: During Life Praise: should be offered: More and More Praise: should be offered: Throughout the World Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Praise: The Chorus when Solomon Brought the Ark of the Covenant Into the Temple Praise: The Heavenly Host Engage In Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Praise-offering (5 Occurrences) |
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