Psalm 113 uses the word “praise” five times in three verses. That must mean it’s an important word. And yet not one I use much in everyday conversation.
One very significant way, I demonstrate that You are a part of my life Lord, is Praise. I give honor, worship, adoration to You, God in recognition of who You are, and in gratitude and thanks for what You have done.
I like to use acrostics to help me remember things. To help me make PRAISE an intentional, doable action – I see PRAISE as
Putting
Real
Adoration
Into
Situations
Every day
To me that means:
Putting: intentionally and on purpose, I do something
The groceries and the dishes don’t get put away unless someone does it. It’s the same with Praise –it doesn’t just happen, someone has to do it.
Real: in a genuine and sincere way, honest – not forced, not hurried
I take time to literally communicate to You. Sometimes it’s by words, a statement or a prayer, sometimes I write it down in a letter or journal, or I might write a poem, or song – I might sing it! Or just take a walk or take a moment and speak to You in my heart.
Adoration: my appreciation, thanks, gratitude, even simple acknowledgment of who You are and what You’re doing, and have the power to do.
I hardly ever take a drive, that I don’t notice the mountains, or the sky or sunset. Do I say ‘wow, Mother nature is something!’ No, I thank You as the Creator of it all for giving me such a beautiful world to live in and look at!
Into Situations: in the midst of whatever circumstances come my way, good or bad, deserved or unfair, difficult and trying or pleasant and joyful.
So if I see my child being awesome, I thank You for making me a mother! Or I pass a car accident, and ask You to help the people involved and strengthen the ones giving assistance, and then I thank You for protecting me from dangers, all the accidents I never knew about because they didn’t happen.
Every day: on a daily basis. I don’t wait for a holiday or Sunday to come around! But spontaneously!
As things happen, thanks and appreciation is voiced. It may sound silly or awkward at first, but the more I do it, it just becomes a way of life, life in You.
So P-R-A-I-S-E, Putting Real Adoration Into Situations Every day means:
Intentionally, genuinely and sincerely, take time to communicate to You, my appreciation, thanks and gratitude in the midst of whatever circumstances come my way on a daily basis. Father, help me remember to fill my life with praise for You! Amen