"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord" - Psalm 150:6 (NIV).
Worship and praises are an integral part of the kingdom of God and the wonderful Christian life. Psalm 150 implores us to a life of praise: "Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals" (Psalm 150:1-5).
One of the most memorable acts of King David was when the ark of the Lord was returned to Jerusalem. "Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets" (II Samuel 6:14-15). This was his highest way of expressing thanks.
The Apostle John in the book of Revelation shares heaven as characterized by praise and worship. "Day and night they never stop saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come" (Revelation 4:8). He writes of elders who, "lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being" (vv 11).
If as a believer, praise and worship is lacking in your life, you are missing out on a great experience. Rather, your life should be lived as in Psalm 130:1-5 "Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.. who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I rise to worship and give you praise, for you are worthy of honour and all glory goes to you, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
