The Bible gives us many examples of ways to praise God. Many of them can be found in the book of Psalms.
Here are 7 biblical ways to praise God:
- Singing (Sing unto the Lord a new song…Ps 96:1)
- Shouting (Shout joyfully to the Lord all the earth..Ps 98:4)
- Dancing (Let them praise his name with dancing…Ps 149:3)
- Playing music (…make music to him with timbrel and harp Ps. 149:3)
- Clapping (O clap your hands, all peoples;…Ps47:1)
- Lifting your hands (Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! Ps 134:2)
- Testimony/Sharing with others (Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. Ps 66:16)
Worship differs from praise, but praise can be a part of worship. The latter part is what we traditionally think of as worship. However, there are two major ways you can worship God.
1. Corporate Worship
Corporate worship occurs when we come together with other believers to worship God. Your weekly services or small groups would be an example of corporate worship.
Corporate worship was very common in the early church. The disciples would often gather to pray, sing praises to God, and share a meal together.
The purpose of corporate worship is to fellowship with like-minded believers, to learn about God, and to encourage each other.
2. Private Worship
Most people have learned to function as Christians during corporate worship. We know how we are to behave and act in the church and around our leaders.
The real test comes during your private worship.
- How you treat your spouse, neighbors, children, and strangers reflect your heart.
- In Corinthians 10:31 it says, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
- Remember, I said that folding clothes and cooking meals can be seen as acts of worship.
- Even though it may seem like a menial and tedious task to you, if we do it for God’s glory, it becomes an act of worship to him.
- When you worship God you will serve and care for others as God cares for you.
You develop a genuine spirit of worship by spending time with God daily in prayer, reading and studying the Bible, praise, and worship.
When you fellowship with God and submit your life to Him, your life will be characterized by obedience and reverence of God in all that you do.
Jesus died on the cross for you and me, so we could have forgiveness of our sins. That gift alone is enough to praise and worship God for all eternity.
God does not force us to worship him, but out of the gladness of our hearts, we share his goodness with others. Because we reverence him we worship him not just in song, but in the way we live our lives. As holy and acceptable to him.
As a Christian, you will face hard times and you will struggle, but God’s grace and mercy will follow you.
Praise and worship must be an integral part of every believer’s life. It’s not just a song, it’s a lifestyle. As always, keep Jesus in the center of everything you do.
