Love God Greatly - the Importance of Prayer: Approaching the Throne of GraceSample

Commit to Praise

Read: Psalm 100

SOAP: Psalm 100:4–5

Enter his gates with thanksgiving,

and his courts with praise.

Give him thanks.

Praise his name.

For the Lord is good.

His loyal love endures,

and he is faithful through all generations.

Into the text

As we commit to a life of prayer, we also must commit to a life of praise. Prayer is not only bringing our requests before God but acknowledging His holiness and praise-worthy character. A complete prayer includes dedicated praise to God.

Psalm 100 is a dedicated psalm of praise. The psalm is written specifically for giving thanks to God with joy, praising Him with gladness. This psalm is a prayer of praise to God, offering Him the worship He deserves. God has been good to us, no matter what the world or our circumstances tell us, and we can always approach Him with praise.

Even when the circumstances of life are difficult or overwhelming, we should offer praise to our God. His character does not change with our circumstances. When we praise Him, we proclaim His holiness, goodness, love, power, majesty, faithfulness, and care over our lives. When we live lives of praise, we not only see everything in light of God’s plan and purpose for our lives, but we proclaim the goodness of God to those around us no matter the circumstances.

God hears all of our prayers. When we take time to cease asking and instead praise Him for who He is, we take our minds and hearts off our own needs, and we focus on Him. He is the source of joy, goodness, love, and gladness we seek. He alone can satisfy us, and a life committed to praise helps us remember His love and faithfulness to us.

What transformation would take place in your life if you focused on praising God daily?

Prayer

Father God, I thank You for Your joy. Thank You for reminding me that Your mercy and truth are abundant and readily available in my life. Thank You for showing me that You are enough. Lord, show me how to walk in the knowledge of Your love. Thank You for Your patient and tender love, and care. In Jesus’ name, amen.