8th June. 2020. Daily Devotion.

Praise Ye the Lord

raise ye the Lord.

Praise, O ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time forth and for evermore.

From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same,
the Lord’s name is to be praised.
The Lord is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens.

Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwells on high,
Who humbles himself to behold the things that are in heaven,
and in the earth!

He raises up the poor out of the dust,
and lifts the needy out of the dunghill;
That he may set him with princes,
even with the princes of his people.

He makes the barren woman to keep house,
and to be a joyful mother of children.
Praise ye the Lord.

The above Psalm 113 is nothing but praise. Consider today some of the benefits of praise:

1. Praise gets our focus away from ourselves and back on God. In our often “selfie” focused world, we need this constant reminder – life is not all about us. We may know that in our heads, but our hearts think differently so often. We are prone to selfishness, He desires our eyes be set firmly on Him, because that’s where our true hope is found. He is worthy of our praise, no matter what we face from day to day.
2. Praise brings us to a place of humility. We remember our dependence on God when we acknowledge our needs before Him. As we praise Him as Creator and King of this world, we admit and recognise that we are not in control, but He is. He is above all.
3. Praise leaves no room for complaining and negativity. Sometimes even win our prayers, we can complain about our problems. God knows our hearts. And He cares about all that concerns us. But through praise, we’re focused on Him, no longer allowing too much attention to be centred on the struggles. We are reminded of what He has already done for us. He knows our concerns and can take care of all that burdens us.
4. Praise invites His presence. God comes close to us when we praise Him. He lives there. He looks for it.
5. Praise makes room for God’s blessings over our lives. He will not hold back His goodness; praise opens the gateway of blessing as we come into the Presence of God.
6. Our spirits are refreshed and renewed in His presence. We are strengthened by His peace and refuelled by His joy. Through a heart of praise, we realise that God does not just change our situations and work through our problems, He changes our hearts.

Praise can lighten the dullest of days, lift our spirits and set us up for the tasks we have set ourselves. As well as prayers for others today, add one of these –

Praise filled Prayers

My heart is filled with adoration when I lift my eyes to you. Because you are Lord of all creation, you make all things new. My soul is filled with lasting peace when I close my eyes to sleep. Because you are Lord, you are right beside me and I am safe within your keeping. My mind is charged with inspiration when I open my eyes again. Because you are hope and love outspoken, your words are full of truth. When I look through eyes that weep you heal my hurt. Because you are Lord of the whole and broken, may I be your hands and feet to minister blessing to others. Amen.

Almighty God, you are author of life. We rejoice in your creation. The vast oceans reflect your majesty. The ever-changing skies lighten our land. The deep valleys provide your peace and shelter. You are saviour of the world. We are healed by your grace. The nations find peace in your forgiveness, the sufferer hope in your healing hands, the burdened rest in your promise of heaven. You are unconditional love. We are privileged to be filled with your Spirit. The young are filled with your vision. The old are filled with your wisdom. The oppressed are heartened by your freedom. Almighty God, Father, Son and Spirit We worship you! Amen.

King David’s Prayer of Praise

Therefore, David blessed the LORD before all the assembly; and David said, “You are blessed, LORD, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty! For all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come from you, and you rule over all; and in your hand is power and might; and it is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank you, and praise your glorious name. Amen (1 Chronicles 29:10-13)