In the Christian tradition, the spiritual life is a journey of growing closer to God, characterized by faith, obedience, and worship. One of the most profound expressions of this spiritual life is the act of praising God. The saints, both in biblical times and throughout church history, have consistently praised God for His attributes, deeds, and promises. This entry explores the reasons and occasions for which the saints offer their praise to God, as reflected in Scripture.

Praise for God's Attributes

The saints praise God for His inherent attributes, which are revealed throughout the Bible. God's holiness, love, mercy, and faithfulness are central themes in the worship of the saints. In Psalm 145:3, David declares, "Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness is unsearchable." This verse highlights the infinite nature of God's greatness, which elicits praise from His people. Similarly, in 1 John 4:8, the apostle John emphasizes that "God is love," a fundamental attribute that inspires adoration and gratitude.

Praise for God's Deeds

The saints also praise God for His mighty deeds and acts of deliverance. The Exodus narrative is a prime example, where Moses and the Israelites sing a song of praise after crossing the Red Sea: "The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation" (Exodus 15:2). This act of deliverance becomes a recurring theme in the Psalms, where the psalmists recount God's saving acts as reasons for praise. Psalm 103:2-4 encourages believers to "Praise the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion."

Praise for God's Promises

The promises of God are another source of praise for the saints. The assurance of God's faithfulness to His promises provides hope and encouragement. In 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul writes, "For all the promises of God are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him, our 'Amen' is spoken to the glory of God." This affirmation of God's promises in Christ leads the saints to praise Him for His unwavering commitment to His word.

Praise in All Circumstances

The spiritual life of the saints is marked by praise in all circumstances, reflecting a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. The apostle Paul, writing from prison, exhorts the Philippians to "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4:4). This call to rejoice is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the believer's relationship with God.

Praise in the Heavenly Realm

The book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the heavenly realm, where the saints and angels continually praise God. Revelation 7:9-10 describes a great multitude from every nation, standing before the throne and crying out, "Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" This eternal praise reflects the culmination of the spiritual life, where the saints join in the unending worship of God.

In summary, the spiritual life of the saints is characterized by a continual offering of praise to God for His attributes, deeds, and promises. This praise is a response to the revelation of God's character and actions, and it is expressed in all circumstances, both in this life and in the life to come.Psalm 119:175
Let my soul live, and it shall praise you; and let your judgments help me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Essence of Prayer.
... in the rare moments of exalted spiritual life, we have ... In the supplication of saints,
prayer and adoration ... place in all generations"; (3) praise, "Before the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxix the essence of prayer.htm

Our Requests Made Known unto God
... Spiritual perception in prayer is the norm of spiritual life. ... afflictions of the
flesh and the trials of life cannot prevent the saints from singing in ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 2 our requests made.htm

Of a Three-Fold Unity which is in us by Nature
... blessedly adorned by a supernatural and contemplative life. ... Church and to the doctrines
of the saints. ... in the spirit and wholly spiritual, is supernaturally ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter ii of a three-fold.htm

Indeed in all Spiritual Delights, which Unmarried Women Enjoy...
... 27. Indeed in all spiritual delights, which unmarried women enjoy ... is the chaste life
of the Saints, as though ... For unto ourselves our own life is necessary, unto ...
/.../augustine/on the good of widowhood /section 27 indeed in all.htm

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... THE GENERAL SERVICE TO SAINTS ANDREW OF CONSTANTINOPLE ... never-fading grace we all
piously praise thee, O ... hast enlightened them with thy spiritual life, that we ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm

Wisdom and Revelation.
... the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what ... are to be lived "to His praise,"
His must ... prayer which teaches the inmost secrets of the spiritual life. ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm

Strong Faith in a Faithful God
... In spiritual things it is God who performeth all things ... The new life is there; all
the elements of heaven ... There is nothing that makes the saints complete but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/strong faith in a faithful.htm

Under the Fig-Tree.
... souls they would pour out their praise and thanksgiving ... which came with the prayers
of saints ascended before ... No one can retain spiritual life any great length ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/how to live a holy life/under the fig-tree.htm

Knowledge and Obedience.
... people's lives we shall not only praise God on their ... Philippians 1:27), worthy of
the saints (Romans 16:2 ... words sound a depth of the spiritual life with which ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/v knowledge and obedience.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... Hymn 2:25. Complaining of spiritual sloth. ... The pilgrimage of the saints; or, Earth
and heaven. ... Hymn 2:58 The shortness of life, and the goodness of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

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