Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Praise to the LORD for His greatness is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the acknowledgment of God's supreme power, majesty, and benevolence. This act of worship is not only a response to His mighty deeds but also an expression of reverence for His divine nature. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and exhortations to praise God, emphasizing its importance in the life of believers. Biblical Foundation: The Bible is replete with calls to praise the LORD, underscoring His greatness and the reasons for which He is worthy of such adoration. In the Old Testament, the Psalms are particularly rich with expressions of praise. Psalm 145:3 declares, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable." This verse highlights the incomprehensible nature of God's greatness, inviting believers to respond with awe and worship. In the New Testament, the theme of praise continues as believers are encouraged to glorify God through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:15 states, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name." This passage emphasizes the continuous nature of praise as a response to God's greatness and the salvation offered through Christ. Attributes of God's Greatness: 1. Omnipotence: God's all-powerful nature is a fundamental aspect of His greatness. Jeremiah 32:17 proclaims, "Ah, Lord GOD! It is You who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You." This recognition of God's omnipotence inspires believers to trust and praise Him. 2. Omniscience: God's infinite knowledge and wisdom are also reasons for praise. Psalm 147:5 states, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." The acknowledgment of God's perfect wisdom encourages believers to seek His guidance and offer Him praise. 3. Holiness: The holiness of God sets Him apart as worthy of worship. Isaiah 6:3 records the seraphim calling to one another, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory." This vision of God's holiness evokes a response of reverent praise. 4. Faithfulness: God's unwavering faithfulness is a cause for praise. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds believers, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" This assurance of God's steadfast love and mercy prompts continual praise. Expressions of Praise: Praise can be expressed in various forms, including singing, prayer, and proclamation. The Psalms often encourage singing as a means of praising God. Psalm 95:1-2 invites, "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song." Prayer is another vital expression of praise. The Lord's Prayer, as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6:9-13, begins with the exaltation of God's name: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name." This model prayer underscores the importance of starting with praise. Proclamation of God's deeds and attributes is also a form of praise. Psalm 96:3 exhorts, "Declare His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all peoples." Sharing the greatness of God with others is an act of worship that magnifies His name. The Role of Praise in the Believer's Life: Praise is not only an act of worship but also a means of spiritual growth and encouragement. It shifts the focus from self to God, fostering humility and gratitude. Praise strengthens faith, as believers recall God's past faithfulness and anticipate His future provision. Moreover, praise is a powerful testimony to the world. As believers live lives marked by praise, they reflect the greatness of God to those around them, drawing others to seek and know Him. Conclusion: The call to praise the LORD for His greatness is a timeless and universal invitation to all believers. Through the acknowledgment of His attributes and mighty works, praise becomes a natural and essential response to the divine majesty of God. Subtopics Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals Praise for God's Goodness to Righteous Men Praise is a Part of Public Worship Praise is Due to God on Account of all Spiritual Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of all Temporal Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of Answering Prayer Praise is Due to God on Account of Constant Preservation Praise is Due to God on Account of Deliverance Praise is Due to God on Account of Fulfilling of his Promises Praise is Due to God on Account of His Consolation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Counsel Praise is Due to God on Account of His Excellency Praise is Due to God on Account of His Faithfulness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Glory Praise is Due to God on Account of His Goodness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Greatness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Holiness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Judgment Praise is Due to God on Account of His Loving-Kindness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Majesty Praise is Due to God on Account of His Mercy Praise is Due to God on Account of His Power Praise is Due to God on Account of His Salvation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wisdom Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wonderful Works Praise is Due to God on Account of Pardon of Sin Praise is Due to God on Account of Protection Praise is Due to God on Account of Spiritual Health Praise is Due to God on Account of The Continuance of Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of The Hope of Glory Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Creation Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Men Praise is Obligatory Upon: Angels Praise is Obligatory Upon: Children Praise is Obligatory Upon: Gentiles Praise is Obligatory Upon: High and Low Praise is Obligatory Upon: Saints Praise is Obligatory Upon: Small and Great Praise is Obligatory Upon: Young and Old Praise of David: At the Close of his Reign Praise of David: Celebrating his Deliverance from the Hand of Saul Praise of David: On Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Zion Praise of Deborah, After Defeating the Canaanites Praise: Acceptable Through Christ Praise: Accompanied With Musical Instruments Praise: Called The: Calves of the Lips Praise: Called The: Fruit of the Lips Praise: Called The: Garment of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifice of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifices of Joy Praise: Called The: Voice of a Psalm Praise: Called The: Voice of Melody Praise: Called The: Voice of Praise Praise: Called The: Voice of Triumph Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Praise: Saints should be Endued With the Spirit of Praise: Saints should Express Their Joy By Praise: Saints should Glory In Praise: Saints should Invite Others To Praise: Saints should Posture Suited To Praise: Saints should Pray for Ability to offer Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction Praise: Saints should Show Forth Praise: Saints should Triumph In Praise: should be offered for Ever and Ever Praise: should be offered in Psalms and Hymns Praise: should be offered with Gladness Praise: should be offered with Joy Praise: should be offered with Thankfulness Praise: should be offered with the Lips Praise: should be offered with the Mouth Praise: should be offered with the Soul Praise: should be offered with the Understanding Praise: should be offered with the Whole Heart Praise: should be offered with Uprightness of Heart Praise: should be offered: Continually Praise: should be offered: Day and Night Praise: should be offered: Day by Day Praise: should be offered: During Life Praise: should be offered: More and More Praise: should be offered: Throughout the World Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Praise: The Chorus when Solomon Brought the Ark of the Covenant Into the Temple Praise: The Heavenly Host Engage In Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences) Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) |