Praise is more than gratitude for what God has done. It is declaring who God is, regardless of our circumstances.
This week, Pastor Jeff shared the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16, where we see the power of a heart formed by praise. Beaten, imprisoned, and chained, they chose to pray and sing hymns to God in the darkest place. Their praise was not reactive or forced. It flowed from a life already shaped by worship. As they praised, God moved. Chains fell, doors opened, and lives were transformed.
Praise shifts our focus. Thanksgiving responds to circumstances, but praise lifts our eyes to the unchanging nature of God. When we dwell on His holiness, power, faithfulness, creativity, and love, our hearts are strengthened even when life is hard. Praise reminds us who is on the throne and restores hope when discouragement sets in.
Building a heart of praise is something we practise over time. It grows as we choose to praise daily, to let praise rise continually, to take responsibility for our inner life, to offer praise even when it costs us, and to praise together as God’s people.
As we continue this season of learning to pray, we are invited to let praise shape our year, our perspective, and our lives, trusting that God will work in us and through us for His glory.
