Today we begin a series on passages about different types of prayer -- praise,
intercession, petition etc. One definition of praise is to "bless" or "commend"
someone. We should praise God, simply because He IS God, and we should praise
Him often, even when we don't feel like it. He is still God, no matter what.
Eph. 6:18 (NIV) And pray in the Spirit on all occasions
with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always
keep on praying for all the saints.
Psa. 33:1 (NASB) Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous
ones; Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psa. 47:6-7 (NASB) Sing praises to God, sing praises;
Sing praises to our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with a skillful psalm.
Psa. 16:25 (NASB) For great is the LORD, and greatly to
be praised; He also is to be feared above all gods.
Heb. 13:15 (NASB) Through Him then, let us continually
offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give
thanks to His name.
Luke 1:46-55 (Mary's praise when she found out she would
give birth to the Messiah) And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has had
regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time
on all generations will count me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One
has done great things for me; And holy is His name. 50 AND HIS
MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
51 He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those
who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. 52 He has brought
down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were
humble.53 HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent
away the rich empty-handed. 54 He has given help to Israel His
servant, In remembrance of His mercy, 55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.''