Thoughts for the Day

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!

Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them for ever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!

Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted.
Praise the Lord!

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In psalms we are often called to praise God, but other than saying "Praise the Lord!" what does it mean, and how do we actually praise Him? As a practical person I looked at how we use praise today in our everyday world to see if I could find an answer.

Well we certainly use it to show we recognise someone (as with a celebrity); to reassure another person (from a boss to an employee for instance); or when we want to admire something they have done. When we praise someone we usually show this in our face or body gestures. Think of how we act to a small child when we encourage them to walk, and how we clap our hands when they do something special. But we also use praise as a reward, rather than criticism, to bring up children.

The Hallel is a Jewish prayer (Psalms 113-118) which is recited by observant Jews as an act of praise and thanksgiving to Yahweh (God). Similarly we use praise in Christian worship, sometimes by saying psalms as with Psalm 148 today, and of course in hymns. Many modern hymns express our praise of God for His love for us; for the support He gives us when life is difficult; and ultimately for sending Jesus to create a bridge that brings us back to Himself. Some churches will use hand gestures and words like "Alleluia!" or "Praise God!" during worship to express their emotions. In the past I have used dancing and artwork in worship as a medium to praise God. We respond to God's love in different ways as individuals when we genuinely wish to praise God, but we should never forget to continue to praise Him.

Father-God,
we stand before You this day,
we lift our arms in praise,
and sing a song of gratitude.
As scripture teaches us
'Yours is the greatness, the power,
the glory and the majesty
and the splendour for everything
in heaven and earth is Yours.
Now, our God, we give You thanks,
and praise Your glorious name.' *
Amen.

(* from 1 Chronicles 29.10-13)