God is worthy of our praise. Why does he command us to incorporate praise into our prayer life and sing praise to him?

Pastor Andy Wagner of Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, VA delivered a powerful sermon titled "How Should We Pray." In this sermon, he emphasized the importance of incorporating praise into our daily prayer life and shared valuable insights on how to do so effectively.

Just as the ocean's depths remain largely a mystery, revealing only glimpses of their vastness and complexity, so is our understanding of the majesty and glory of Almighty God. While we may not fully comprehend God's infinite nature and mighty works, we can still appreciate the splendor surrounding us. Pastor Andy Wagner delivered a fantastic sermon titled "How Should We Pray." In this sermon, he emphasized the importance of incorporating praise into our daily prayer life and shared valuable insights on how to do so effectively.

These passages serve as potent reminders of the divine mystery and majesty that encompass us, urging us to embrace the awe of our Creator. They inspire us to wonder at His creation, even as we seek to understand Him more fully.

Singing praise to God is essential throughout the scriptures, reflecting a deep reverence and gratitude among His people. As the pastor highlights, this practice goes beyond Solomon; we see a profound example in Moses and the Israelites in Exodus 15.

Wagner refers to the miraculous escape that Israelites had from Egypt's bondage and the awe-inspiring crossing of the Red Sea, in which they united in a triumphant song to the Lord. They declared, "I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted; the horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea."

This powerful proclamation expresses"their immense gratitude and is a bold affirmation of God's sovereignty and superiority over their adversaries. Their song embodies the spirit of liberation, celebrating the mighty power and faithfulness of the Almighty and inspiring future generations.

Exalting God is a profound act of worship that ascribes worthiness, honor, and glory to Him. It involves lifting His name with deep reverence and heartfelt praise, acknowledging His supreme authority and love. Wagner highlights a beautiful theme in King David's words from Psalm 118, where he declares, "You are my God, and I will exalt You." In this powerful statement, David expresses not only his connection with God but also his unwavering commitment to glorify Him in every circumstance, whether in joy or adversity. This commitment reflects a heart overflowing with gratitude and a desire to honor God through words and actions.

In Psalm 18, David powerfully emphasizes the importance of praising God, declaring, "The Lord is worthy to be praised; so shall I be "saved from my enemies." This profound statement not only highlights God's" intrinsic worthiness but also intricately costs it to the deliverance and unwavering protection He graciously provides to His followers.

Wagner notes that these verses collectively reveal that praising God is central to our faith. It becomes a heartfelt expression of gratitude, a melodic tribute to the divine creator while acknowledging His unparalleled majesty and limitless power. Through this act of worship, we align ourselves with His presence, reinforcing our dependence on Him in times of trouble and celebrating His constant faithfulness.

Incorporating praise into our prayers is essential. We offer praise because God truly deserves our heartfelt adoration. When we approach Him in prayer, it's essential to recognize and proclaim, "God, You are the Almighty Creator; I am but a humble servant. You alone are worthy of all praise and honor." This acknowledgment deepens our relationship with him and aligns our hearts with the truth of His greatness.

Wagner also referred to the book of 1 Chronicles, where King David, filled with reverence and gratitude, stood before the entire assembly of Israel. With a heart overflowing with praise, he proclaimed to the gathered multitude, "Praise be to You, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting." This moment showcased David's profound devotion and served as a robust call from God to the entire community to join in worship, emphasizing the importance of community in honoring the God who had guided and protected David's nation.

King David, filled with reverence and gratitude, stood before the entire assembly of Israel. With a heart overflowing with praise, he proclaimed to the gathered multitude, "Praise be to You, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting."

The topic of praise and singing to God is also very important for those in the church today. Psalm 100:1-2 calls us to "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!" This passage is a universal invitation for everyone, not just Israel, to celebrate the Lord as our Creator. When we truly recognize God's goodness (Psalm 100:5) and appreciate the privilege of worshiping Him, our hearts naturally fill with joy as we enter His presence.

Michael Greene, a worship pastor from Reston Bible Church in Sterling, VA recently delivered a powerful challenge to his congregation, urging everyone to embrace the joy of giving themselves entirely to the King of Kings through singing and praising Him. He highlighted the powerful truth that Jesus brings comfort in the face of fear and anxiety, especially for those who feel apprehensive about singing in public. His challenge was clear: step beyond your fears and offer your voice to God, allowing the joy in your heart to fuel your worship.

Moreover, Psalm 147:1 states, "Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting." This encourages us to lift our voices to celebrate God’s greatness—the One who traverses the deserts, whose name is the LORD, and who is exalted before us. Psalm 68:4-6 further reminds us of God's compassionate nature: He is the Father of the fatherless and the protector of widows in His sanctuary. He places the lonely in families, leading captives to freedom while the rebellious remain stranded in desolation.

I hope whoever reads this who may feel anxious or uncertain about singing or praising God in the church will feel more empowered to praise and sing to your heavenly father. It’s completely normal to experience these feelings, especially in a setting where vulnerability can be intimidating. However, I want to reassure you that God does not wish our fear of judgment from others to hold us back from expressing ourselves through song. Your voice is a unique and beautiful gift, uplifting the spirits of those around you and creating a sense of community and connection to him. Singing together can foster joy, healing, and encouragement in the Lord in ways that will amaze and surprise you. Remember, your contribution is valuable to him and the people around you, and you can bless others by sharing your heart and faith through your voice.

Remember, it’s not about seeking attention; it’s about offering sincere and heartfelt praise to God, who deserves our very best, along with our love and devotion. As we come together in worship, we sometimes find it challenging to set aside our worries about how others perceive us. However, it’s essential to focus on the true purpose of our gathering—connecting deeply with God rather than trying to please anyone else.

As believers, we are blessed with the incredible opportunity to rejoice and lift our voices in His presence in heaven for all eternity. So, let our songs be filled with joy, gratitude, and reverence. So, let’s not hesitate to raise our voices in praise and worship here and now, celebrating the love and glory of God together.

Embrace the profound beauty of praising God, which serves as a meaningful expression of reverence towards our Creator, who values every gift we offer, no matter how small.