The Priority and Power of Praise

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G. Wayne Gilliam Speaking The Priority and Power of Praise Praise and Worship is not just the previews for the Church Service, but it is a powerful tool given to us By God for our benefit and His Glory. 1 Peter 2:9 ”But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:“ The Priority Of Praise As the Psalmist says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). The command to praise God is a common one in the Old and New Testaments. Approximately 250 times in the Bible we read commands and declarative statements regarding praising the Lord. Psalm 150:1-6 answer the questions Who, what, when, where and How. Why should we Praise God: He is worthy: Psalm18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. He is there: Psalm 22:3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Like the old Rev James Moore sang, When the praises go up, the blessing comes down. How should we praise God: Read Psalm 100 Towdah (Sacrifice of Praise): Praising God even in difficult times, demonstrating complete faith and trust. Yadah (Hands Raised): Surrender and receiving God's blessings. Barak (Quiet Voice): Humility and reverence before God's majesty. Halal (Soul Rejoice): Uninhibited expressions of joy through dance and celebration. Zamar (Instrument Song): Playing instruments to glorify God. Tehilah (Sing Along): Spontaneous and unrehearsed songs of praise. Shabach (Shout for Joy): Loud and enthusiastic expressions of adoration and victory. When should we praise God: Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. The Power Of Praise Biblical Examples: Jehoshaphat 2 chronicles 20: 15, 21 15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. Paul and Silas, Acts 16:2525 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. Blessed Assurance Frances Jane van Alstyne, more commonly known as Fanny J. Crosby, was an American mission worker, poet, lyricist, and composer. She was a prolific hymnist, writing more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, with more than 100 million copies printed. Blinded at 6 weeks old, Fanny grew up in poverty but had a wealthy friend with a music room. In 1873 her friend Phoebe played a song. Fanny composed some words to go along with the tune. “Blessed assurance was born. My hope and prayer for you this week is that you will praise Him throughout the day and remember when the praises go up, the blessings come down and Jesus is our Blessed assurance.