July Prayer Calendar and Lesson

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Praise is an act of worship or acknowledgment by which the virtue or deeds of another are recognized and extolled. The praise of one human being toward another, although often beneficial (l Corinthians 11:2; l Peter 2:14) can be a snare (Proverbs 27:21; Matthew 6:1-5). But the praise of God toward people is the highest commendation they can receive. Such an act of praise reflects a true servant’s heart (Matthew 25:21; I Corinthians 4:5; Ephesian 1:3-14).
Our praise toward God is the means by which we express our joy to the Lord. We are to praise God both for who He is and for what He does (Psalm 150:2). Praising God for who He is, is called adoration; praising Him for what He does is known as thanksgiving. Praise of God may be in song or prayer, individually or collectively, spontaneous, or prearranged, originating from the emotions or from the will.

Praise is an essential element to the Christian faith. Without it, our spiritual lives are lifeless and mediocre. Very few of us come into the family of God knowing all there is to know about praise or, any spiritual issues. We must learn and grow in our walk with Christ if we are to enjoy the Christian life.

God plants a desire within each Christian to learn and grow in this area, but it is up to us to praise Him for His wonderous love and goodness.

One of the first things we learn concerning praise is to be sensitive to God’s leading. Praise comes from His splendor and mercy for loving us in spite of our sinful nature. Praise is the overflow of joy and appreciation to God for who He is and what He has done. It is not limited to seasons of blessings but is appropriate in difficult times, hardship, trials, and times of persecution. In (Acts 16:25-34) it states, “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosed.” Because of Paul and Silas’ praise, the keeper of the prison and his entire family were baptized. AMEN!

If God did this then, surely, He will do it again when His people who are called by His name would humble themselves and pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways according to (2 Chronicles 7:14), God said He will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land. This applies to US as well.

We need this type of earth shaking, chain breaking, deliverance in our homes, communities, places of worship, schools and beyond.

Let’s proclaim (Psalm 34:1-3), let’s bless the Lord and all times, let’s continually keep His praise in our mouths, let our soul make its boast in the Lord so that the humble can hear and be glad.

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