Understanding praise. Part 1

Children of God often celebrate  “praising God,” and the Bible commands all living creatures to praise the Lord(psalm 150:6).  One Hebrew word for “praise” is yadah, meaning “praise, give thanks, or confess.” A second word often translated “praise” in the Old Testament is zamar, “sing praise.” A third word translated “praise” is halal (the root of hallelujah), meaning “to praise, honor, or commend.” All three terms contain the idea of giving thanks and honor to one who is worthy of praise. The collection of Psalms is a book of songs filled with praises to God. Among them is Psalm 9, which says, “I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” (verse 2).psalm 18:3 states God is “worthy of praise.” psalm 21:13. praises God both for who He is and for His great power: “Be exalted in your strength, LORD; we will sing and praise your might.”Psalm 150 uses the term praise thirteen times in six verses. The first verse provides the “where” of praise—everywhere! “Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.- The next verse teaches “why” to praise the Lord: “Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.”- Verses 3–6 note “how” to praise the Lord—with a variety of instruments, dance, and everything that has breath. Every means we have to make sound is to be used to praise the Lord!I n the New Testament, there are examples of praise given to Jesus. Matthew 21:16 refers to those who praised Jesus as He rode a donkey into Jerusalem. Matthew 8:2 notes a leper who bowed before Jesus and  Matthew 28:17"the disciples of Jesus were said to worship Him after His resurrection. The  early church was not excepted in the act of praise. 

1)The first church in Jerusalem included a focus on worship. Acts 2:42-43. 

2)The church leaders at Antioch prayed, worshiped, and fasted during the time Paul and Barnabas were called into missionary work.Acts 13:1-5 .

3) Most of Paul’s letters include  sections of praise to the Lord.1Timonthy 3:14-16, Phil 1:3-11. 

4)At the end of our race here on earth, all of God’s people will join in eternal praise of God.Rev 22:3.