THESE words which commence Psalm 146 are words which open a number of these later Psalms. These words express praise of God which was expressed among the Old Testament saints. These words express worship that should constantly fill our hearts as we come into the presence of God.
These words raise the important question for all believers which is 'how much does praise of God form part of our prayers and praying'. How often we come into the presence of God in prayer in order to intercede before God for our own needs; the needs of our friends and loved ones; and the needs of the church at large. We may receive requests for prayer from friends and churches and missionary societies. Intercession in this way is a huge part of our praying, and perhaps has become the main substance of our prayers.
There is a great need for intercession in our praying. We all need the aid and help and power of God to grant the manifold needs of believers in all our living, and we look to God alone to keep us in his love, and bless all the efforts of the church to extend God's kingdom. But the question remains as to how much praise fills our prayers and praying.
The example of the Psalms and the Old Testament saints challenges us. They began with praise and thanks in their praying. Should not a major time in our praying be filled with praise and thanksgiving, and the worship of God. Should not this be first and the most important part of our praying, and the longest time spent in our praying? The prayer the Lord gave us commences with praise and worship - Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done'.
There is so much we have to praise and thank God for; and how great should be our worship; as we come into the presence of God. We cannot thank him enough for Jesus and his so great saving work by which God is just when he justifies us ungodly sinners. How much we need to worship and praise him that He chose us in Christ for salvation before the foundation of the world. Should we not praise and thank him for all the multitude of blessings he showers upon us every moment of each day.
How great is the example of praise and thanksgiving is given us in the prayer of thanksgiving in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer os the Church of England - 'Almigthy God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give the most humble and hearty thanks for all thy goodness and loving kindness to us to all men. We bless thee for our creation, preservastion, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for thy inestimable love in the redfemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory .....
Great blessing and peace will fill our hearts when we fill our praying with worship and praise.
Living Word