What the Bible Says About Praising God by Myra Kahn Adams for Town Hall
Every week when I begin this Bible study, I thank readers for joining us and do so for two reasons. First, my email overflows with comments from readers and friends about how they enjoy learning about the Word of God.
Second, all comments are welcome and enhance this study, even the snarky and mean-spirited ones. But then, I especially appreciate when readers who are believers and well-versed in the Word respond with thoughtful, faith-based arguments that elevate and advance our study. And I write “our study” because I feel that we are lovingly gathered together around a virtual table.
Now let’s go behind the curtain, and I will share how weekly study topics are chosen in what I hope will be an inspiring example of faith. Honestly, I don’t know what we will study from one week to another. But then, about half the time while sitting in church, the following Sunday’s topic is revealed with what I describe as a “ding.” That happened last weekend when my church’s big screen displayed the following prayer response:
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We love helping others and believe that’s one of the reasons we are chosen as Ambassadors of the Kingdom, to serve God’s children. We look to the Greatest Commandment as our Powering force.
“I will praise your name forever, my King and my God” (Psalm 145).
Ding, ding, and now you are reading today’s study about praising Him. The faith lesson is that God speaks to us all, and that alone is worthy of praise. But amazingly, God’s methods and message are tailored-made to our unique situation. The challenge is whether our ears are open to hearing His voice amidst the world’s noise, confusion, and self-absorption.
After all that, it’s time to review some notable passages of praise found in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) followed by the New Testament, and then a memorable, unexpected message at the end.
Our first praise verse is from Exodus — part of a longer passage found in 15:1-18 that is attributed to Moses and subtitled “The Song of Moses”:
“‘The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him’” (Exodus 15:2).
