Praise
by Prophetess Dr Mary Lang-Marshall, Temple Hills, MD
Catagory: Volume 1, Issue 5 and 6 MAY/JUNE 1999
Praise
Matthew 21:16 “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise;” II Samuel 12:20, “Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the Lord, and worshipped. John 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
When we think of praise, most think of King David. As we examine our praise today, compared to David's praise, we have lost something. David praised God with his whole heart. Every step he made was made through His devotion to his God.
David understood the purpose of praise. Praise prepared the way for worship. God is requiring true praise. Praise is not just for God, but it is the entrance way to blessings. God is the only One Who knows all that happens when we praise Him. Praise isn't a show!
Praise is a serious act. We must praise God on behalf of ourselves, our loved ones, and others. If we do not praise Him, we will starve to death, spiritually then physically. The Bible (Word) is full of examples of those who praised the Lord. Let God interact in your life.
True praise makes our bodies submit to our spirit. Our bodies must be a living sacrifice unto God. We cannot allow our soul or body to be in control. Praise goes towards God; as we extend and lift our hands, use our mouth to sing, or to shout, it should all be to the Glory of God. We must always remember that our members must be brought under the subjection of the spirit. Praise is misguided when the Spirit of God is not allowed to Rule.
When David brought the Ark of God into the city of David, he brought it with gladness. II Samuel 6:14-16 says, “David danced before the Lord with all his might; David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet; Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord. “
Praise is an outward act. It takes one or many to give God praise. The Word says, where two or three are gathered in His Name, God is in the midst. Praise is never peaceful, it is loud with lots of movement. In Matthew 21:15, the chief priests and scribes saw the things that Jesus did and they heard what the children were saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased.” Why were they displeased? Because God is the only One worthy of praise. “Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength (Praise) because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2). The outward act of praise got their attention. Jesus is worthy of praise. Praise brings confusion to those who do not understand or expect the Presence of God. When adoration or affection is publicized, many are agitated. Their reactions will be unrational.
Praise goes hand and hand with prayer, ect. While in praise (true praise), God set forth His Ear to Hear. The sweet smell of praise goes up unto the
Lord. Praise is the icing on the cake (worship is the cake). When we submit ourselves to praise, God opens the windows for blessings.
Giving, walking, talking, singing, shouting, and dancing, etc., opens the door to worship. When praise is finished, worship begins. Worship is: giving love to God; looking into the eyes of God; seeing and kissing God's face; sitting in God's Presence; listening to and understanding the mysteries God have for His Church (as it concerns our lives and the part we play in the Kingdom).
