An Invitation to Praise

One day while I was praying for God to supply the needs of a ministry I was involved with, I asked for the mind of Christ so I would know exactly how to pray.  Immediately, I was filled with a spirit of praise. How far behind I was in giving thanks for help He had already given! As I praised Him for His past help, I was filled with confidence that He would also provide for the future.

The Holy Spirit within us is a Spirit of praise. At times, to refuse to praise God is to quench the Spirit which 1 Thessalonians 5:19 warns against. "Do not stifle the Holy Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NLT).

Scripture tells us to be "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20). We're also told to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

One lady said, "One day during prayer, the Lord said, 'Today I want you to only praise me for those on your prayer list. Don't ask for anything.' He still requests that occasionally."

Perhaps the Spirit will desire that of us, too, at times. What a pleasure it will be to respond! Praising allows us to pray with confidence and joy.

Dear Lord, help us to be responsive to You so our prayers and praises satisfy You.

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God" (Hebrews 13:15).