Text: Psalm 8; 1 Chronicles 16:7-36; Psalm 100
For just about anything worth doing, repetition is needed to form a habit. Your first training run ever for a 10K is going to feel clumsy and painful. You’ll find muscles you never knew you had and you may even hobble your way around for a few days afterward. But through time, through practice, and through preparation, lacing up your running shoes will eventually happen without conscious thought and you’ll sail through a few miles like you’ve been doing it all your life.
The same holds true for prayers of praise and thanksgiving. They aren’t second nature—we have to be prompted, like children, to say “thank you” until it’s something that comes naturally. So when we’re writing our thank you notes on God’s heart, it’s not all that different from those thank you notes we wrote as children.
First, we address the giver. God is the giver. Forget yourself and turn your focus on Him.
Second, we acknowledge the gift. To identify God’s many gifts is a skill. Start by asking yourself, “How do I see His hand in my life?” It isn’t necessarily thanking Him for the promotion or finding the perfect house in your search, though certainly we can give Him the glory in those times. But it’s also recognizing His presence in the difficult times. It’s seeing how even those things we saw as setbacks were all part of His perfect plan for our lives. And by acknowledging His investment in your life, the blessings and the trials, we are telling Him that we’re not taking Him for granted. We’re acknowledging that we see all things, every chapter of the story He’s written, as an opportunity for praise.
Next, we give sincere thanks. It can be poetic or conversational. It can be flowery or simple. You can whisper or you can shout. Just practice saying “thank you.”
Finally, we make our affection known. We close, just like we would in that thank you note. “I love you.” “Sincerely.” “I’m faithfully yours.”
Practice giving praise to Him today. Address Him, identify His gifts through your own story of redemption, give sincere thanks, and make your great love for Him know.
And then do it again tomorrow. And the next day. And the next. Until you are sailing through these prayers of praise like you’ve been doing it all your life.
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56 thoughts on "practicing praise"
Dear God,
Thank you for giving me my husban. He may not be perfect and may not be yours yet but you certaintly made him for me and I for him. Thank you for allowing us to go on this journey of life together. I love you.
Sincerely yours,
Stacey
Thank you Sue for the message version. I love it.!
The song ‘ i love you Lord and i lift my voice to worship you… Oh my soul rejoice….’ is playing in my mind as i write.
All Praise, Thanks, Glory. Thanks. Honour. Thanks. To you Lord God. May i forever praise you. X
I just re-read Psalms 100 from the Message. Has anyone else checked this out. This scripture is one I memorized as a young child, and so it is very familiar. But when read from the message, there is a whole new spin on it.
"On your feet now — applaud God! Bring a gift of Laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.
Know this: God is God, and God, God. He made us; we didn't make him. We're his people, his well-tended sheep.
Enter with the password: "Thank you!" Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank Him. Worship Him.
For God is sheer beauty, all generous in love,loyal always and ever " Psalm 100 MSG
I love that…Bring a gift of laughter. Pure, unadulterated Joy!! I wish I could have saw this yesterday.
Sue, thank- you for sharing this from The Message! I love it! Blessings sister!
My tendency when I pray is to praise and thank God for all that he has done for me. Which is okay. If I take me out of the picture, I now focus on the attributes of God that I am grateful for and my prayer is changed!
This morning when I opened SRT it showed a menu on the side with an Instagram link. Now it’s not showing. Does anyone know how to get back to that format??
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3 NIV)
Finally, we make our affection known. We close, just like we would in that thank you note. “I love you.” “Sincerely.” “I’m faithfully yours.”
Routine..but not carved in stone
Waiting for God..response to Lauren.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3 NIV)
Routine is necessary in my life, keeps the dogs and people fed, exercised and cleaned up, but it also frames my day with time for prayer, scripture, reading SRT, and some of the other blogs I have discovered through SRT. Without a schedule I ‘d get lost in one thing at the expense of something or someone else, including time with God. JuneBug, you blessed my socks off with your post here this morning, because, I have been in your shoes and am so thankful for Jesus, who helps me re-focus.
Routine while needed should not be the Ruler of my daily life, only God should be. Since starting with SRT, I have had to readjust my “carved in stone” early morning (Central Time USA) to include some midday time, evening time and even late night time. Why? Because I don’t want to sleep until I have caught up with all of you, read your insights about the lesson and lifted you up in prayer. Routines are good but not inflexible or subject to complete overhauls at time.
OK, I hear you, How does this fit with practicing praise until it becomes natural? God doesn’t need a clock or a calendar, but He knows I do. He lets me have both, but often bursts into my day, yelling, “Surprise! Company coming!” Or whispering, “that person you just thought of needs prayer right now, so, Pray!” Or revealing himself in someone or something so that praise cannot be postponed till later. I wish I handled those unexpected divine interruptions well every time, but I don’t…when I don’t, He doesn’t slap me up the side of my head and say “get your head out of that refrigerator and pay attention.” Nor does He stop giving me chances to participate with Him in this world, joining Him in expressing His Love. And yet, I miss the blessing intended, because my schedule ruled.
Lauren asked about waiting for God and that really caught me because I have wondered about that too. One thing I have learned is to start my time with God with a few moments of silence, eyes closed and to allow the distractions to calm within me. And then to begin with praise, sometimes even croaking out a song. Then I lay out my petitions, pausing now and then. I will turn to a passage of scripture, sometimes one of Paul’s prayers for believers and pray those words putting in the names that come to mind. Then as I said I try to leave Pause Time, divine interruption time open to whatever God brings that day. I am sure many of you have better handles on “waiting for God” and I know I welcome hearing them.
Praise God, your words may be my divine interruption for today. Have a blessed one!
Great reminder! Definitely needed this today.
CandaceJo, love that song! Never heard it!
It's from their newest album Revealing Jesus, it is beautiful, isn't it!
Hi, I tried to post today and am waiting on approval of site administrators. I hope I didn't say anything wrong or offensive. I re-read it and must conclude that this is one of those divine interruptions, I wrote about…Praise, Jesus! He is in control, not me. This may also be a form of waiting on God!
Lauren, I understand. I used to get anxious as a relatively new believer when I’d hear this! For
myself, I need total quiet to really concentrate on where the devo/scriptures take me… sometimes I have light bulb moments where it all makes sense, sometimes my mind just: wanders. I almost always get a sense of how or what he wants me to do with it… I used to expect BIG revelations or who knows what- lol!
Now I just wait for a nudge in my thinking or just be glad for Him. Its whatever you feel!
I hope that helps a tiny bit!! :) Praying for clarity for both of us! Have a great day Sister!
Thank you, Ellen. I'm so encouraged reading yours and Claire's views on waiting on God. I think I over-analyze also. It's like when I'm seeking God's guidance for a big decision, I start questioning thoughts that come into to my head "is that God or is it me?", "Is this what God wants, or am I subconsciously pushing my agenda?". Like I said before, i know this will be practice, but I deeply want to better communicate with our Lord. I want so badly to hear his whisper- I look for loud responses/signs, when I need to be still and wait for his breath of a whisper.
Thank you for your prayers, also. I'll pray for us as well!
Glad to know it's not just me!
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3 NIV)
Routine is necessary in my life, keeps the dogs and people fed, exercised and cleaned up, but it also frames my day with time for prayer, scripture, reading SRT, and some of the other blogs I have discovered through SRT. Without a schedule I 'd get lost in one thing at the expense of something or someone else, including time with God. JuneBug, you blessed my socks off with your post here this morning, because, Girlfriend, I have been in your shoes and am so thankful for Jesus, who helps me re-focus.
Routine while needed should not be the Ruler of my daily life, only God should be. Since starting with SRT, I have had to readjust my "carved in stone" early morning (Central Time USA) to include some midday time, evening time and even late night time. Why? Because I don't want to sleep until I have caught up with all of you, read your insights about the lesson and lifted you up in prayer. Routines are good but not inflexible or subject to complete overhauls at time.
OK, I hear you, How does this fit with practicing praise until it becomes natural? God doesn't need a clock or a calendar, but He knows I do. He lets me have both, but often bursts into my day, yelling, "Surprise! Company coming!" Or whispering, "that person you just thought of needs prayer right now, so, Pray!" Or revealing himself in someone or something so that praise cannot be postponed till later. I wish I handled those unexpected divine interruptions well every time, but I don't…when I don't, He doesn't slap me up the side of my head and say "get your head out of that refrigerator and pay attention." Nor does He stop giving me chances to participate with Him in this world, joining Him in expressing His Love. And yet, I miss the blessing intended, because my schedule ruled.
Lauren asked about waiting for God and that really caught me because I have wondered about that too. One thing I have learned is to start my time with God with a few moments of silence, eyes closed and to allow the distractions to calm within me. And then to begin with praise, sometimes even croaking out a song. Then I lay out my petitions, pausing now and then. I will turn to a passage of scripture, sometimes one of Paul's prayers for believers and pray those words putting in the names that come to mind. Then as I said I try to leave Pause Time, divine interruption time open to whatever God brings that day. I am sure many of you have better handles on "waiting for God" and I know I welcome hearing them.
Praise God, your words may be my divine interruption for today. Have a blessed one!
Beautiful posts today! Love the texts for the devo…So moved, I have a full heart because all He does! He’s given me so much, He’s saved me- regardless of myself. He and the works of His hands are majestic and awesome, given in love and beauty! How small am I, yet He includes me in His glorious creation! Humbly, gratefully I thank you for all, and dedicate myself for your glory- AMEN!!
Claire, I’m the same way. I am going to try your idea of waiting first. It is so hard for me to be still, but I need to try. So glad to know I’m not alone.
Will pray for you as it can be hard to stop in our busy word. Sometimes I find worship music helps me to focus other time silence is definitely needed. X
JuneBug, thank you for what you said in your post. I, too, recently moved and am having a hard time with the transition. Your post put words to what I couldn’t put into words and the knowledge of the greatness and wonderment of our God. Truly a blessing and am grateful that The Lord lead me to this group. Thank you Lord!!!
Thanks for reminding me that I'm not alone MolindaH. What a blessing to know that when I struggle, there is someone else who is struggling in the same way…near or far. And even better to know that we have a Father who carries us through. I'm also grateful that the Lord lead you to our group! Looking forward to getting to know you better!
Claire and LeahTvt…I agree with both of you! I lov routine and making prayer and time in the word a habit has been life changing. But living a life of thankfulness and praise on my lips has been a challenge, because I really need to be focused on God for that. I love the reminder of this devotional, and I’m going to try to make it a habit that when I wake, I offer a prayer of praise.
I found it odd this morning as I read our devotion that we’d have to be prompted to Praise the Lord.
I can’t imagine. Maybe its age, maybe it growing up in the south, maybe its surviving childhood trama. I gotta talk to him, I gotta say thank you, I have to affirm that for so much favor I am not worthy. For every minus he is the plus! Claire I really like what u said. Our relationship with christ should never become just routine. Those who are happily married soon come to realize that their relationship can never be taken for granted. Remember he always does exceedely and above all! When he blesses us.
I to switch my praise n prayer up. Sometimes I. Speak it, I carry him with me all day, we are talking,
Other days I do praise n worship, I’m sure my neighbors r pleased lol, somedays I journal, or write a letter to God. Believe it or not I go out and purchase a special book and pen. Here I can pray,confess,thank God. This is my favorite, I tend to get lost in this space but its all mine and His.
I also like journaling because you can go back and read and see how much you’ve grown n Christ.
Sometimes I write my prayers and put them in a prayer box. This box usually doesnlt get opened for a year. My students love this, we’d take a couple of silent moments, then I ask them to write down what they were feeling and put it in the box. Other days I pray n praise n silence. Because I need to hear him. I do see the purpose of routine, but let us becareful to not let the routine become routine. Do we enter into his santuary with excitement, of word, of fellowship, of redemption, or do we go because this is what I do on a particular day or time.
Now that I have found SRT , this is another form of prayer n praise. As I study, and write and read the other encouraging posts I truly feel that bond between God and myself.
Lord I thank you that I have so much to be thankful for,
Ladies have a wonderful Wednesday!
another wonderful day in the word, and another great pattern for prayer!
One of the reasons my husband & I began attending our church was hearing how the congregation prays in their small groups. Before any requests are offered, prayer is always started with thanksgiving and praise to God…and yes, there have been times that we've been gotten so caught up telling God how wonderful he is and how much we adore him, that we forget to the requests for prayer.
I highly recommend praising God in prayers with your fellow believers…it does wonders.
Once again, a very timely post for me. I was just writing this morning about how I need to establish more routine into my life before I logged on here. I love it when that happens!
As an adult with ADHD, I desperately need strong structure in my daily life to be effective in any way. The creative part of me recoils at the thought of it, but once established, a routine actually allows me to be even more creative as I can think more clearly. My life has done well by developing good sound habits. I need more of them in my life right now though. After a move across the country last September, I fell out of a few important routines. Change can do that.
Big changes are not easy on me. I don't transition well. One thing I can be grateful for is that this big recent change has strengthened my prayer life…thankfully. I quickly realized that I need the Lord even more so in times of transition. I depend on the Lord each day. When I can't find my daughters library books to return. When I have forgotten to thaw the chicken for supper. When I have lost track of the time and I'm late again for something important. When I know I have something intelligent to say, but it comes out sounding the complete opposite. When I have missed sending a card to my mother for her birthday. When my mind wanders while my dear friend is sharing her heart with me on a "bad brain day." I know I need the Lord to be my strength when I am weak.
Transitions, though, often remind me of where I have been and where I want to go. And I am so thankful that the Lord has rescued me from where I have been. Because of Him I can be confident of where He is taking me next. And that even my failures have purpose. Even if I face more of them, I know He is FOR me. He is faithful. His promises are true. He is strong when I am weak. He provides. He disciplines. He loves. So much. How could I NOT praise?
Oh junebug I can relate.
I don’t do change well, or at least that’s what my evaluations said. Lol
Thank God for jesus!
Yes! Thank you Jesus! I wouldn't stand a chance without Him. Oy!
What about when your mine wanders during PRAYER?! :) I had to apologize to The Lord for that again this morning in my sleepiness! Thankfully He understands as I am singing "Every high thing must come down, every stronghold shall be broken.." My mind begins to drift away to silly things, what am i going to fix for dinner, fretting over my next blog post, my next doctor's appt., or I even start to fall asleep! But graciously that is not every morning. What a wonderful loving Savior is Jesus!
I really like the reminder to thank and praise Him for the things that we see as "setbacks." I saw a very true quote on Pinterest yesterday that said something to the effect of "God's not saying 'no' to you, He's just protecting you from anything less than His best." And I think that's so true. As I was reading this morning, and lately, I have been thinking, why didn't God give me a job in the months after my husband and young son moved across the country? Why not? Well, duh, silly self, its so that He could help me search out what I really want to be doing, something that I have found that I enjoy so much that I will never actually work. It's awesome the way He works. Thank you God.
When I woke up this morning, way before the sun began to rise, I mumbled a small thanks to God for the gift of another morning. Another day that I have been blessed to experience, Lord thank you for allowing my blood to pump, my breath to continue, and mind to work another day. Then, as I hit my morning yoga class I again praised God for giving me a body, His temple, that I work to keep healthy. Lord thank you for the amazing, complex gift of a body that continues to work…it is not mine, but yours. Now, as I sit here sipping my coffee before my day really takes off, I thank the Lord again for this wonderful community of women. If I didn't stop and pause to read His word and join this conversation, my mind would easily wonder all day. Now, my mind is set, focused, and ready to listen for God's word today. Lord, thank you for your Word this morning, thank you for this community of women, and thank you for reminding me everyday to stop and listen! This is my morning today…I hope I can begin it again tomorrow like this and seek to praise God at every moment, even the little small ones that can often be overlooked!
"We’re acknowledging that we see all things, every chapter of the story He’s written, as an opportunity for praise." What a great reminder to praise Him even when going through trials, and also to praise Him for molding and shaping us as He walks with us through them!
I, too, love routine. Establishing some healthy routines–like my morning prayer & meditation time–have been literal life-changers. But there IS that tendency for it to just become rote–another thing checked off the list. I love your statement, Claire: “I have learnt to stop before I pray and read and just wait on God.” I need & want to start doing that! Giving God praise and thanks for this community! Be blessed today, sisters.
Dear Father, I look out my window just as the sky is beginning to fill with colors; the sky You made with the colors You created. I sit in awe at all the signs of rebirth, the signs of spring. Thank you, Lord, for making all things new every morning. Thank you for the beautiful reminders of your love, grace, and redemption. I am in awe, Lord!!! In awe of your power and might. In awe of your love and grace. I love you, Lord!! Thank you for making all things new!!
The God we are serving, according to the passage we were to read today, isn't like other "gods". "The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens! Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling." (1 Chronicles 16:26, 27 NLT).
I could jump off my couch this morning on that Scripture alone! The Lord made the heavens! Strength and joy fill His dwelling, how can I not give Him praise?
Jesus told the Pharisees who complained that the disciples were praising God TOO LOUDLY, that if they were to be quiet, "…the rocks would cry out."!! Luke 19:40.
I am not about to let a rock praise God for me when He has been so good! That is why we get up first thing in the morning, earlier than normal if we have to, and spend some time praising and thanking God for His mercies. What strength we find in return! We are the benefactors! Our time is never wasted, we are renewed and restored and ready to face the day. More importantly than that, He is worthy!
Darlene Zschech has a beautiful new song that is perfect for worship and praise called Magnificent. It is amazing! Be blessed!
http://youtu.be/RT_Dfg2RRRA
Beautiful!
Yes!
practice makes perfect :)
I was taught a long time ago to offer praise and worship before any petitions when praying. Like the young lady above there are times when it has become so routine that I have to remind myself that it is more. This is why I like to go and sit by the water or up in the mountains. Nature reminds me of how majestic God is and not to take His work for granted. I also like to pray scriptures. There os something in praying Bible back to God. It reminds me od what He has done in the past giving me hope and strength that if He did it for them He will surely do it for me.
Ah, yes, yes yes, praying scripture is speaking the language of God when we talk to Him.
Agreed! Amen!
People are funny creatures. It’s odd that we should have to be prompted, urged, corrected (even) to thank and praise the awesome living God of our salvation. But, as a worship leader, I see it all the time. To be perfectly honest, it annoys the stuffin’ out of me. Sometimes, just exactly like getting my children to use their manners and say “thank you”, it can be like pulling teeth to get people to turn their eyes off everything else for a few precious moments and sing an anthem of praise or a love song to Him who is most surely worthy of it. But, as just Autumn – not as “Autumn the Worship Leader” – I know it takes practice – and desire; an ATTITUDE of prayer, praise and gratitude must be CULTIVATED. I love that #SheReadsTruth helps in that cultivation. Like children, we need these reminders – beautiful and timely – and, so, right now, once again, I will stop and give thanks to the Lord for leading me to this community, blessing me with these daily devotionals and encouraging me through the online fellowship with other sisters in the body who are on this journey with me. Bless the Lord!
I love this! What a beautiful reminder to talk to Him daily. Not just often, but daily.
I am such a habit driven person. I love routine. When life is predictable I am happy! I like to plan out my day/week/month! Possibly more than is healthy! However it does mean I tend to be good at reading my bible, praying each and every day. What it doesn’t control is my mindset. Sometimes I do these things just out of habit rather than out of awe. I have learnt to stop before I pray and read and just wait on God. Wow what a difference. Each and every day God is drawing closer and revealing something new. It is no longer just something to tick of a to do list but something to long for! Shereadstruth has been a big part of that change! I’m not saying its bad to do things out of habit- it is good to keep praying and reading when things are hard. But God has bigger plans than ours! I loved the idea of writing a thank you letter to God!
I have also struggled with just reading and praying out of habit, so I’m going to try what you said! Wait on God before I start. I love it!
Oh my gosh I so can relate to this! I am a major list person so I understand the need to "check it off" and I am slowly learning and realizing I need more than that. It all means so much more than just a check off. Glad it touched you like it did me!
My eyes have been opened recently to the idea of waiting on God…meditating on him. It’s hard for me to not get distracted, but it is mind opening to his word. Thank you for this reminder.
Hi sue, recently at church we started by just stopping and praying over our thoughts. It wasn’t possible to get distracted because no matter what popped into my head I prayed over it. I found it really liberating. If work popped into my head I prayed about work, if it was what to have for tea then I thanked God for food and for those who have none… Just wanted to share incase it helps x
This is great. I've never thought of praying this way. Oftentimes, my head gets so cluttered and overwhelmed with thoughts… and then I get frustrated with myself and become distracted by the fact that I am distracted. Which makes it even harder to just be still and listen. I've never been good at meditating properly – in silence, deep breathing, keeping my body still – but what you have shared here has me very curious and I think it will help me. It does sound very liberating. Instead of fighting against myself, just embrace the flow of thoughts and then pray over them. Thank you.
I love this idea, Claire. By doing this everything is an opportunity for prayer, not a distraction from worship, but the essence of worship…as Paul wrote about praying without ceasing.
I. Love. This!
Thanks Claire. I didn't even think that perhaps God was showing me things to pray on. Lightbulb moment!! Thank you. xx
Claire, your initial post was like I had written it about myself!
I, as well, have prayed in the matter in which you've described for years. I am a faithful prayer warrior. My prayer time, which typically I talk to The Lord all day long, may include quite time in the morning & evening. But mostly I pray whatever The Lord drops on my heart at any given time.
I also enjoy prayer journaling which really helps when you're trying to be very specific and focused . Thanks for sharing!
I really like the idea of waiting on God before reading or praying. But, I'm a little confused by it. I've heard/read that phrase before, but don't truly understand how to do it. Wait on God. I know it will be a practice, something similar to Raechel describing running and praying- it will take time to feel natural. But, what is it we're waiting for? What does it feel like when you know you've waited long enough? I know this is probably too big of an off-topic to dive into, but is something I'm going to try praying for clarity and understanding about. I hope my questions didn't sound negative or impatient, I'm truly curious how to do this.
Hi Lauren,
For me waiting on God is just a chance to stop, to pause to let go of anything that is running through my head. Sometimes it is helpful to listen to worship music sometimes just to sit in silence. Ask God to come and be present with you. Try and empty your mind to hear Gods voice. It can take time but is a bit like spending time with anyone you have to listen to them to get to know them. Hope that helps a bit- will pray for you that it will get easier as you try. X
Thank you, Claire! Thank you for taking the time to explain waiting on God. I have wondered for a long time about this, and your explanation makes complete sense. I know this will be challenging for me, because my mind races and it's hard for to quiet my thoughts, but this is definitely a practice I want try. And thank you for the prayers, I can sure use them. :) God bless.
It's such a simple reminder, one that we need to constantly ensure that becomes a habit for life. Thank you.