Praise and Worship Notes

Theme of Praise

• Everything with breath should praise the Lord
• Repeated calls to praise emphasize a collective act of worship.

Context of Praise

• In different circumstances:
  • Valley and Mountain: Praising in both good and bad times.
  • Surety and Doubt: Praising when confident and when unsure.
  • Facing Odds: Praising when outnumbered or surrounded.

The Nature of Praise

• Symbolism: Praise is likened to water, drowning the enemies.
• Breathing = Reason to Praise: As long as one is breathing, there is a reason to worship.

Personal Declaration

• Soul Expression: Engaging the soul in the act of praising.
• Emotions in Worship: Praising when one feels it and when they don't.

Praise as a Weapon

• Power of Praise: Praising serves as a weapon, more than just sound.
• Symbolic Acts: Shout of praise can bring down barriers (e.g., Jericho).

God’s Attributes

• Sovereignty: Praising God for His control over all.
• Resurrection: Acknowledging Jesus’ victory over the grave.
• Faithfulness & Truth: God is portrayed as trustworthy and true.
• Greatness: Celebration of God's greatness above all.

Encouragement to Praise

• Don't Remain Silent: A strong urge to express praise openly.
• Alive God: Acknowledging the living God and the impossibility of keeping praise inside.

Summary

• Recurring statement: Praise the Lord emphasizes a continuous cycle of worship.
• Encourages individual and community engagement in praises regardless of life's circumstances.