The Importance of Praise and Worship
For purpose of this discussion, praise is characterized as the act of magnifying and honoring God for who He is and the act of exalting God's great name. It also includes thanking God for his many kindesses. Worship is characterized as a more intimate form of praise where believers seek to personlize their expression of God's worth to them and others. All Christians should make a practice of taking time to honor God for his goodness. David, known in the Bible as a man after God's own heart, incorporated this practice into His life. As believers seeking to please God, we should do the same.
Why is Praise and Worship Important?
Praise and worship is important primarily because the Bible commands it. In psalms for example, believers are repeatedly encouraged to praise and magnify the Lord. We even see in the book of Revelations where angels and other heavenly beings worship and honor God in heaven. While biblical commandment serves as our primary reason for the praise and worship of our heavenly Father, the following highlights several others:
God is deserving
There is no other being more deserving of praise. God is our creator, provider, sustainer, and savior. Without Him nothing or no one would exist. He is also the possessor of all wisdom and knowledge and the source of all that is good and perfect.
We should say thank you
Most people consider it polite to show appreciation to those who give them a gift, perform a kind gesture, or pay them a compliment. How much more shold we thank our heavenly Father who has given us life, breathe, the opportunity to spend eternity with Him, and many other kindnesses.
Praise invites God into our situation
The Bible tells us that God abides in the praises of His people. When we magnify God, we invite His presence into our lives.
Praise and worship honors God's presence
It honors God's greatness when we are able to magnify God and focus on his goodness in spite of our personal challenges. Through this practice, we testify that God is greater than all.
How We Should Praise and Worship
An organized form of praise and worship is important and should be cherished for what an awesome show of appreciation to the Father when believers collectively acknowledge Him for His goodness and give thanks, but our expression of praise and worship should not stop there.
Praise and worship should also be extended to private times between just you and God. Living a daily lifestyle in keeping with God's commandments is also a form of praise and worship.
Physical manifestations of praise might include singing, dancing, the raising of hands, bowing, the playing of instruments and other forms.
All forms of praise and worship are pleasing to God when done with the proper intent and attitude.
The Results of Praise and Worship
Although our primary purpose for praising and worshipping God should be because He is worthy, there are often kindnesses bestowed upon those who participate in this expression of love. Some of these include the following:
- More intimate connection with God
- Victory in battle as when the Israelites marched around the wall of Jericho. Praisers often preceded the army in Old Testament battles.
- Stress relief as we focus on the greatness of God versus personal challenges
- Believers experience the presence of God which may result in limitless favor (Encouragement, healing, deliverance, peace, joy, provision, etc.)
- Fulfillment of personal desires
Again, the most important reasons to praise God include the fact that He is worthy and that God takes pleasure in our praise.
What a priviledge to be able to share love with the greatest Being in all of existence who has showered so much love upon us.
Why is Praise and Worship Important?
Praise and worship is important primarily because the Bible commands it. In psalms for example, believers are repeatedly encouraged to praise and magnify the Lord. We even see in the book of Revelations where angels and other heavenly beings worship and honor God in heaven. While biblical commandment serves as our primary reason for the praise and worship of our heavenly Father, the following highlights several others:
God is deserving
There is no other being more deserving of praise. God is our creator, provider, sustainer, and savior. Without Him nothing or no one would exist. He is also the possessor of all wisdom and knowledge and the source of all that is good and perfect.
We should say thank you
Most people consider it polite to show appreciation to those who give them a gift, perform a kind gesture, or pay them a compliment. How much more shold we thank our heavenly Father who has given us life, breathe, the opportunity to spend eternity with Him, and many other kindnesses.
Praise invites God into our situation
The Bible tells us that God abides in the praises of His people. When we magnify God, we invite His presence into our lives.
Praise and worship honors God's presence
It honors God's greatness when we are able to magnify God and focus on his goodness in spite of our personal challenges. Through this practice, we testify that God is greater than all.
How We Should Praise and Worship
An organized form of praise and worship is important and should be cherished for what an awesome show of appreciation to the Father when believers collectively acknowledge Him for His goodness and give thanks, but our expression of praise and worship should not stop there.
Praise and worship should also be extended to private times between just you and God. Living a daily lifestyle in keeping with God's commandments is also a form of praise and worship.
Physical manifestations of praise might include singing, dancing, the raising of hands, bowing, the playing of instruments and other forms.
All forms of praise and worship are pleasing to God when done with the proper intent and attitude.
The Results of Praise and Worship
Although our primary purpose for praising and worshipping God should be because He is worthy, there are often kindnesses bestowed upon those who participate in this expression of love. Some of these include the following:
- More intimate connection with God
- Victory in battle as when the Israelites marched around the wall of Jericho. Praisers often preceded the army in Old Testament battles.
- Stress relief as we focus on the greatness of God versus personal challenges
- Believers experience the presence of God which may result in limitless favor (Encouragement, healing, deliverance, peace, joy, provision, etc.)
- Fulfillment of personal desires
Again, the most important reasons to praise God include the fact that He is worthy and that God takes pleasure in our praise.
What a priviledge to be able to share love with the greatest Being in all of existence who has showered so much love upon us.