Praise 101: The Power and Purpose of Praise
“But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
Psalm 22:3
Praise is something virtually every church does to open their services—yet, when was the last time you heard a series of sermons on praise? I don’t mean to point the blame at anyone, I just mean to point out the need to understand one of the most important acts of our faith. While worship is the posture of our hearts, praise is the outward expression of that devotion. It’s more than just words—praise is an active, visible display of our gratitude for who God is and what He’s done. In this post, we’ll dive into the biblical meaning of praise, its role in completing worship, and how it creates a space for God’s presence to dwell and move among us.
Years ago, I attended a worship conference at Christ For the Nations Bible Institute in Dallas, TX. The message that impacted me most was entitled “The Lord of the Dance.” In summary, the message was that the world had stolen the dance, but the Lord is taking it back to the church. The pastor shared about how David danced before the Lord with all his might (2 Sam. 6:14) and other Scriptures on the subject. Then we applied the word, and danced in praise to God for about 20-30 minutes straight.
I was so sore the next day it hurt to walk! However, I got something new in that service: the freedom to praise the Lord unashamedly! I experienced freedom in Christ and the fear of man was broken off me.
It’s one thing to love God on the inside. It’s another thing to let that praise make its way to the outside—and express your devotion! That’s what praise is all about.
Here are 3 impactful things about praise:
1. Praise Is An Expression
Worship is an attitude of the heart, praise is an outward expression.
The Hebrew words for praise are verbs, they speak of an outward action.
Here is a brief sampling:
Halal: To praise, to boast, to be clamorously foolish.
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise (halal) the Lord. Praise (halal) the Lord!
Yadah: To revere or worship; To give thanks or praise; To extend the hands
Psalm 9:1
I will praise (yadah) You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
Tehillah: A song or hymn of praise, Spontaneous song of praise
Psalm 22:3
But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises (tehillah) of Israel.
The Worship Arts Conservatory has a great article on the 7 Hebrew words for praise that you can find here: https://worshiparts.net/seven-hebrew-words-that-will-enhance-your-worship-halal/
Praise is a genuine appreciation for who God is and what He has done.
Praise is expressed through these biblical commands: Sing, shout, clap your hands, lift your hands, kneel, bow, prostrate, dance, play music—all unto the Lord!
The majority of the way we communicate as humans is non-verbal. Most of the ways we express ourselves does not come from our words, it comes from our various expressions.
It’s important to note that expression in praise is not a charismatic or Pentecostal thing, it’s a human being thing! And what’s more, it’s a biblical thing. All biblical expressions of praise are found in everyday life!
2. Praise completes worship
Your outward expression completes your inward devotion. The outward expression of praise completes the inward posture of worship.
It’s one thing to say “I love you” and it’s another thing to live out “I love you.” My wife appreciates the heart I have for her, however, that heart of love must make its way to outward action. In the same way, your action of praise completes your heart of worship.
The Book of James says, “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17, 26)
3. Praise is the dwelling place of God
Psalm 22:3
“But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
The Hebrew word for “enthroned” is yashab, and it means to sit down, to dwell, and the KJV bible translates it to “inhabits.”
God sits down, dwells, and inhabits our praise! What an awesome truth. Out of all the places He could dwell, God makes His dwelling place our praise.
This points to another amazing truth:
If we want to be a people of His Presence, we must be a people of praise. A praising people are a Presence people.
The truth is, God is omnipresent, He is everywhere at all time. However, He is not always manifest present. But David gave us the key to accessing the manifest Presence of God: praise.
When God is manifest present, His kingdom power is released. This is the atmosphere that changes lives. People get saved, healed, delivered; the gifts of the Spirit manifest; the flow of the life-giving River of the Spirit comes and lives are edified and lifted. This is what we’re after!
I can remember so many times when, during praise & worship, the manifest Presence of God fills the room. The atmosphere shifts and an awareness of God takes over.
Bottom line, praise is the gateway for you to be with God. Isn’t that the utmost desire of your life?
Psalm 27:4
“One thing I have desired of the Lord,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the Lord
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the Lord,
And to inquire in His temple.”
Just like worship, our praise is rooted in a response to seeing God. When we’ve experienced His love, forgiveness, salvation; seen His glory, and experienced His Presence—we can't help but respond with worship. We praise and worship God because He is worthy.
It’s time to put your heart of worship into action and praise the Lord! Take a few moments and give Him the praise He deserves!
Question: How has praise impacted your relationship with God, and what expressions of praise have you found most meaningful? Comment below!
***For more impactful content on this subject, I recommend my 7 Day Devotional “Expand Your Expression: How expressing your praise to God enhances your relationship with Him.” You can get the eBook for FREE by joining our email list here. Or you can grab a hardcopy of it on Amazon here (affiliate link).