Praise in the Bible

Praise is the expression of a grateful heart before the greatness, goodness, and works of God. The Psalms are the great book of praise in Scripture, ranging in tone from an intimate whisper to the exuberant shout of an entire assembly. Isaiah 12:2 proclaims, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid." Psalm 28:7 declares, "my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Praise is not merely a feeling; it is an act of the will that acknowledges who God is and what He has done. Hebrews 13:15 calls it "the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name," urging, "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually." Psalm 150 concludes the entire Psalter with an explosion of praise that mobilizes all creation: "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord." Praise springs from the knowledge of God. We praise Him for who He IS, His character, and for what He has DONE, His works. Psalm 150:1-2 invites us to praise Him "in his sanctuary" and "for his mighty acts." The forms of praise are many: song (Ephesians 5:19), the prayer of thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), public testimony (Psalm 22:22), contemplative silence (Psalm 46:10), and practical obedience (1 Samuel 15:22). The believer is called to praise God at all times, for praise is the natural response of a heart touched by His grace.