Praise is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a profound expression of reverence, gratitude, and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. Engaging in praise not only honors the Creator but also enriches the believer’s spiritual journey, fostering a deeper connection with the Divine.
Therefore, let us embrace the practice of praise, recognizing its profound importance and the immeasurable impact it has on our spiritual journey.
Tonight, Sunday, 9th of February at 3:00pm (GMT+1), we join Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for Praise Night 22 as we prepare for a night of glorious praise and deep worship.
The Essence of Praise
At its core, praise involves exalting God for His inherent qualities and the wondrous works He has performed. It is an active declaration of God’s greatness, often manifested through song, prayer, and acts of worship. The Bible emphasizes the significance of praise, as seen in Psalm 92:1: “It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High.” This verse underscores that offering praise is both a virtuous and beneficial act, aligning believers with God’s will.
Praise as a Pathway to Divine Presence
One of the profound benefits of praise is its ability to usher believers into the presence of God. Psalm 100:4 instructs, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” This metaphor illustrates that praise serves as a gateway, facilitating a closer communion with the Divine. By engaging in heartfelt praise, individuals open their hearts to experience God’s nearness and the comfort it brings.
Transformative Power of Praise
Praise holds transformative power, capable of altering circumstances and providing strength in times of adversity. The account of Paul and Silas in Acts 16:25-26 exemplifies this: imprisoned and facing dire conditions, they chose to sing hymns of praise. Their worship led to a miraculous earthquake that opened the prison doors, demonstrating that “when you praise the Lord from your heart in the beauty of holiness, the result is a divine explosion of glory.”
Praise as Spiritual Warfare
Engaging in praise can also serve as a form of spiritual warfare. By focusing on God’s greatness, believers can shift their perspective away from challenges and fears, thereby diminishing the power of negative influences. As noted in 2 Chronicles 20, when Jehoshaphat faced a formidable enemy, he appointed singers to praise the Lord, leading to divine intervention and victory. This narrative illustrates that “praise helps you sense God’s presence” and can lead to breakthroughs in seemingly insurmountable situations.
Praise and Worship: A Distinction
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome offers insight into the distinction between praise and worship: “There’s a clear difference between praise and worship. Praise requires no consciousness, but worship does. When you praise God, you thank Him and extol His majesty. However, in worship, much more than extolling Him, there’s a communion and relationship.”
While praise involves celebrating God’s attributes and deeds, worship delves deeper into an intimate fellowship with the Creator, fostering a profound relational connection.
The Continuous Call to Praise
Scripture encourages believers to maintain a continual posture of praise. Hebrews 13:15 exhorts, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” This call to persistent praise serves as a reminder of God’s unchanging nature and the perpetual gratitude owed to Him.
Benefits of Praise
Engaging in regular praise yields numerous spiritual benefits:
- Elevates Perspective: Praise shifts focus from personal struggles to God’s greatness, fostering a sense of hope and encouragement.
- Invites Divine Intervention: As demonstrated in biblical accounts, sincere praise can lead to miraculous outcomes and divine assistance.
- Strengthens Faith: Regularly acknowledging God’s attributes and past faithfulness reinforces trust in His continued provision and guidance.
- Cultivates Joy: Praise fosters a joyful heart, as reflecting on God’s goodness naturally elicits feelings of happiness and contentment.
Incorporating praise into daily life is essential for believers seeking a deeper relationship with God. It serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, offering a means to honor the Creator, transform one’s perspective, and invite divine presence into every circumstance. As Pastor Chris Oyakhilome emphasizes, “Offering sacrifices of praise produces power! All your needs are met through the active power of God’s glory working inside you.”