Praise and Worship
*all scripture references are NIV unless otherwise noted
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song…Come, let us bow down and worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.
Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7
When we hear the phrase, “praise and worship,” the image that commonly comes to mind is the musical component of a church service before the sermon. However, these two words go much deeper than that. Let's look at the meaning of these two words.
Praise
The word praise is derived from the Hebrew word "halal" and the Greek word "aineo.” It generally refers to the act of expressing admiration and gratitude towards God for His attributes, deeds, and character. Praise is an outward expression, often demonstrated through singing, shouting, dancing, and playing musical instruments, as seen all throughout the Psalms. Praise is a response to God's greatness, His sovereignty, and His goodness to us in all situations. It acknowledges God's power, mercy, and love, and it is something that can be performed individually or corporately within a church setting.
Music and Singing: One of the most common ways to praise God is through music and singing. This can be done individually or as part of a church congregation. Creating a personal playlist of worship songs and hymns to listen to throughout the day can help keep our hearts and minds focused on God's goodness.
Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with the timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding symbols. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 150
Thankfulness in Prayer: Incorporating praise into our prayer life is another powerful way to express our gratitude. Begin your prayers with words of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's attributes and the blessings He has bestowed upon you.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100: 4
Sharing Testimonies: Sharing testimonies with others about what God has done in your life is a form of praise. It encourages others and brings glory to God. Whether it's during a church service, in a small group, or even in casual conversations, sharing your experiences can be a powerful witness.
Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Psalm 105: 1-2
Acts of Service: Serving others in love and humility can be an act of praise. When we use our gifts and resources to help those in need, we reflect God’s love and compassion, bringing glory to Him.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16
Worship
Worship, on the other hand, comes from the Hebrew word "shachah" and the Greek word "proskuneo," meaning to bow down or to prostrate oneself. Worship is a deeper, more intimate act than praise that signifies a total surrender and reverence towards God. It involves recognizing God's holiness and sovereignty and responding with submission and adoration.
The Truest Act
I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 AMP
When you look at this scripture, we are to remember God’s mercy to us, not giving us what we deserve, and offer ourselves to him continually, daily, moment by moment, as a sacrifice of praise that is holy and pleasing to him.
Worship goes beyond just the physical acts of praise and adoration; it is a heart posture, a total surrender, that reflects a believer's devotion and obedience to God. Worship encompasses the entirety of a believer's life, marked by humility, reverence, and a continuous commitment to live according to God's will.
Daily Time with the Father: Spending time each day in prayer and reading the Bible helps cultivate a heart of worship. This practice aligns our thoughts and actions with God’s will, fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
Come near to God and he will come near to you… James 4:8a
Obedience to God's Commands: Living in obedience to God’s Word is a profound act of worship. This means making choices that honor God in our personal and professional lives, even when it's challenging.
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15: 10-11
Work as Worship: Viewing your work as an act of worship transforms how you approach your job. Scripture reminds us to work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Performing your duties with excellence and integrity can be a way to shine light into a dark world.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3: 23-24
Sabbath Rest: Observing a day of rest and dedicating it to God can be a form of worship. It’s a time to reflect, recharge, and focus on spiritual growth, acknowledging that God is the provider and sustainer of all things.
…Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest. Mark 6:31b
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. Psalm 23.2
Worship is demonstrated through our lifestyle choices, obedience to God's commands, and our willingness to put God at the center of everything we do. Worship involves daily acts of faith, prayer, reading scripture, and living out the teachings of Jesus. By doing so, we honor God and become a living testament to His grace and power, directing others to experience the same relationship with the Creator.
Respond
Take some time today to praise AND worship God! Sing a song to Him. Shout out His goodness. Write in a gratitude journal. Share your praise with a friend. Open the Bible and read it out loud to yourself or your family. Set aside time to dig deeper into a verse that He has put on your heart. Pray over situations, family and friends. Work in a way that brings God glory. Surrender your mind and heart to him, giving over any thought or action to His will and not your own.
By weaving these practices into our everyday lives, we get to celebrate God’s love and spread His joy to those around us, making our faith an adventure worth living!
My heart explodes with praise to you! Now and forever my heart bows in worship to you, my King and my God! Every day I will lift up my praise to your name with praises that will last throughout eternity.
Psalm 145: 1-2 TPT
