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

Praise the Name of the Lord

Read: Psalm 145

SOAP: Psalm 145:2–3

Every day I will praise you.

I will praise your name continually.

The LORD is great and certainly worthy of praise.

No one can fathom his greatness.

Into the text

David wrote this psalm of praise (and many others) to exclaim his adoration for God. He recognized God’s greatness and awesome power, desiring that all people would praise the Lord. David knew who God was and what God had done. David had walked with God for many years, trusting Him and relying on Him for his every need. While David wasn’t perfect, one of the many things he did well was give us a framework for how we can continually praise the Lord.

As believers in Christ, it is our calling to be the light in this dark, fallen world, glorifying God through our love, behavior, and words. When we live a life of praise, we constantly show the world who our God is and what He has done. We testify to His greatness and sovereignty when we publicly praise the Lord. We can see His hand more clearly when our hearts are in tune with what He is doing in our lives and our worlds through prayer. When we praise Him, we acknowledge His actions, care, love, and power.

Living a life of praise not only shows those around us who we follow, but it aligns our hearts with God. Instead of only praying with requests, praise reminds us of the majesty of God. Prayer is not only an opportunity to lay our needs and requests before God, but it is an opportunity to worship Him. Our praise brings Him glory each and every time we offer it.

How often do you praise God amongst those who don’t know Him? How are you passing on your faith to the next generation? How can you begin today to proclaim the Lord’s name with your words, your attitude, your behavior, and your obedience to Him?

Prayer

Father God, Your kingdom is everlasting, and Your dominion rules forever. Lord, in every area of my life, You have done such amazing works. Lord, give me the courage to speak life and truth into the lives of those who don’t know You. Allow my life, behavior, and love for people to represent You well. In Jesus’ name, amen.