By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).

 

When we talk about praise in the New Testament, there’re many who don’t understand what it is. Praise is our profuse expression of appreciation of the goodness, blessings, kindness and righteousness of God. It’s the appreciation or confession of His character. When you say, “Lord, you’re gracious and kind; you’ve blessed me; you’re righteous, etc.,” you’re defining and appreciating His character; that’s praise.

 

When you worship the Lord in that light, it shows who He is in your life; it separates Him from everyone else and from everything else. When you thank Him for His goodness, provisions, blessings and all the wonderful things He’s given you, and done for you, you’re attributing those beautiful works to Him. The necessary result is that He’ll do more in your life.

 

You might have heard some people say, “Well, anybody can worship any way he chooses; I can decide to keep quiet and worship God in my mind”; that’s wrong. Yes, God knows what’s in your heart, yet Jesus said, “...When you pray, say…” (Luke 11:2 NKJV). He didn’t say, “…think.” Worship must have content.

 

In the Old Testament, when the prophets or priests prayed, the contents of their prayers were written for us, showing that they vocalised it. Likewise, when Jesus prayed, He spoke out, such that others heard Him. He didn’t merely think in His mind.

 

It’s the same with worship; we worship God through the Spirit, and by the Word (in spirit and in truth)! We lift our hands to Him, making confessions to His Name: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15). We eulogise and bless Him for His greatness, kindness, love, mercies and grace. Hallelujah!