Today the Biblical Dictionary continues today with the word 'praise'. This is a simple word that we have all heard in and out of church. It can mean different things depending on the environment that you use it in. But over all it is used to describe the act of expressing positive actions.
Praise can be a verb, which can be used to describe something that we do. It can involve social interaction or it can be done alone. Like when we are recognizing the positive actions of those around us. It is also a noun and be used to describe the expression of appreciation. By encouraging someone for their actions.
Praise is defined as approval or admiration. Like when your boss tells you that you are doing a good job. Sometimes he means it but sometimes he just wants to motivates you. The biblical definition includes that but takes it a step further. It is to express respect and gratitude. It should involve sincere thoughts and emotion with no ulterior motives.
Most churches include praise and worship as a part of their services. It is how we thank God for all He has done for us. How we show our admiration to Him. It is how we celebrate and glorify Him. It is also how we acknowledge Him for who He is. And it expresses our faith and love to Him.
We can praise God by telling Him thank you or by saying a simple hallelujah. I've also seen those who praise Him by simply raising their hands toward Heaven. We can also express our praise in our speech, through our actions and even more easily through song. It doesn't have to be a big grand ordeal, you just have to let Him know that you worship Him and Him alone.
When you praise God, open your heart and let your emotions guide you. Even if you can't speak He knows exactly how you feel. I believe that when we acknowledge Him in this way, He will continue to acknowledge us in other ways by giving us more things to be thankful for. Make sure that praise is a part of your worship, it is the least we can do for a God as good as ours.
A Psalm of praise
Psalm 100: 1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
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