Praising God Effectively in Prayer: A Guide for Engaging with the Divine

The act of praise is often misunderstood, not as a mere compliment to the divine, but as a reflection of our faith and a way to honor the attributes of God that make us seek Him. This article explores how we can effectively incorporate praise into our prayers, drawing from both historical and contemporary Christian perspectives.

Understanding the Origin of Praise

The word 'praise' has its roots in the language of medieval times. The term 'praise' traces back to Old French 'preterier' meaning 'to praise or commend,' derived from the Latin 'praei.' This etymology reveals the essence of praise as an expression of our values and attributes towards God. In essence, praising God is more about highlighting His glory rather than seeking to place a price on His worth.

Praying vs. Praising: The Fundamental Difference

Prayer and praise, while often intertwined, serve different yet complementary roles. Prayer is an intimate conversation with God, where we humbly seek guidance, blessings, and assistance. However, praise is a way to acknowledge and honor the divine attributes that go beyond our needs, such as His omnipotence, omniscience, and love. Jesus himself emphasized the importance of moving beyond mere prayer for physical needs and instead praising God. He stated, 'And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.' (Matthew 6:5-6)

The Power of Praise in Prayer

Praise should be a vital component of our prayer lives. It is not only about thanking God for the tangible benefits He provides, but also about recognizing His immense power and greatness. The Bible provides numerous examples of praise in prayer. Psalms 35:18, 35:28, and 7:17-18, among others, highlight the importance of praising God in the presence of others or within one's heart. These verses encourage us to offer thanks and praise to the Lord, acknowledging His righteousness and praise throughout the day.

Effective Praise in Prayer

To effectively praise God in prayer, one can follow these steps:

Acknowledge His Creation: Reflect on how the beauty and complexity of God's creation reflect His glory. Contemplate on the intricacies and the pleasure found in His work. Meditate on His Grace and Love: Think about how God's grace and love led to your salvation. Reflect on the countless blessings and sacrifices He has made for you. Express Gratitude for His Patience and Transforming Spirit: Acknowledge God's patience with your flaws and His spirit that transforms your life. Study and Reflect on His Attributes: Read and meditate on various lists of God's attributes, such as those available on Attributes of God - Wikipedia. Practice Lectio Divina: Engage in a sacred reading of the scriptures, a practice known as Lectio Divina, which involves reading, reflecting, meditating, and praying about the text.

By incorporating these elements into your prayers, you can create a profound and meaningful connection with God, acknowledging His greatness and your dependence on Him.

Conclusion

Praise is not just a vocal expression but a way of life. By integrating the principles of effective praise into your prayer life, you can strengthen your spiritual connection with God. Remember, prayer should be about more than just asking for things; it should be an opportunity to reflect on and express gratitude for the countless blessings and attributes of God.