We usually think praise is singing to the Lord with songs, music and words, combined as hymns, or praise and worship. Indeed, the Psalms are set to musical tunes and instruments were utilized in praise.

Then David spoke to the leaders of the Levites to appoint their brethren [to be] the singers accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy. 1 Chronicles 15:16

Many churches sing from a hymnal during services, and we’ve grown used to “praise and worship music.”

But praise does not always need to be combined with music. Sometimes, often really, it is the overflow of our heart to Him. Perhaps in the car, or just coming home from work, or after the kids are asleep, it can hit us. After a trying time or difficulty, and we get relief, grace, healing or an answered prayer, we might utter a heartfelt “Praise the Lord!”

There are times during a prayer meeting we are undone by a greater awareness of Who He is, and what He has done for us, in us, and with us. This usually prompts our praise as we recognize this back to Him. Or, we see something in the Scriptures which hits us like lightning and we stop and praise for this fresh understanding, this realization of Truth anew.

Praise is our declaring the greatness of God to God himself.

And we praise Him for He is worthy of our praise! He inhabits the praises of His people, and we will forever give Him the glory due His name, joining the angels who sing now ‘round His throne.

When we praise Him, we are giving honor to the One worthy of honor. It is proclaiming the excellencies of the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Provider, Holy, Glorious, Awesome Maker of heaven and earth. Praising the Lord who is good and who’s mercies endure is to acknowledge his lordship over our lives.

We praise God because we owe Him this awe, reverence, respect, and humility.

Prayer, at it’s core, is us communicating to God.

This is a primary activity of our fellowship with Him in Christ. In prayer we often ask for things — for help, or blessings, or wisdom — or a new job, health, peace, etc. By prayer, we tell Him our hopes and cast on Him our cares, and we give thanks to Him in appreciation.

You see, prayer isn’t only asking for things, but also giving glory to whom it is due. When we pray “hallowed be your name,” we are asking the Lord Almighty to glorify his name and bring honor to it.

Says Barnes: The word "hallowed" means to render or pronounce holy. God's name is essentially holy; and the meaning of this petition is, "Let thy name be celebrated, venerated, and esteemed as holy everywhere, and receive from all people proper honor." It is thus the expression of a wish or desire, on the part of the worshiper, that the name of God, or that God Himself, should be held everywhere in proper veneration.*

So then praising is praying in that we tell God how great he is, and ask Him to glorify in us his name. This creates in us awareness of his majesty and authority, resulting in humble dependence on his sovereign will.

Consider that Jesus taught we should pray the Lord’s name be honored rightly, and we pray the he bring his Kingdom and will in us and around us. (Luke 11:2).

Many of the Psalms offer praises to the Lord. Look through Psalm 118 and we see the Lord:

Is good and his love endures forever; the LORD answered me and is my refuge; The LORD is on my side; for me among those who help me; is my strength and song; to be trusted more than man; the one who helps; who’s right hand is exalted and does valiantly; has disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death; answers me, and has become my salvation; has become the chief cornerstone; has made this day; is God and has given us his light; is our God.

In prayer, spend a good portion of time and attention to giving God praise!

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