On a scale of 1–10, how important do you think praise is? Most believers would rank worship high because it’s often regarded as the more spiritual, intimate act that “moves God.” Praise, on the other hand, is frequently seen as merely an activity—a lively opening to a worship service. But this perception is incomplete and misleading.
Some Christians even say things like, “I don’t really like praise; I prefer worship.” While worship is vital, praise is not optional, inferior, or less powerful. Each has its place, and both are indispensable in the life of a believer. All weapons of warfare are mighty through God (2 Corinthians 10:4).
In Psalm 22:3 we are told that God inhabits the praises of His people. In essence, His presence is made manifest, as His people praise. He dwells in our praise. When we raise an altar of praise, we call forth the fullness of God’s glory and presence.
Praise is deeply spiritual. It is not just noise, rhythm, or movement. Praise is a weapon of warfare (2 Chr. 20), a worthy sacrifice (Heb. 13:15), an expression of victory (Is. 25:1), and a mandate (Ps. 150:6).
Why Praise?
Because That’s Why You Were Created
“The people whom I formed for Myself shall declare My praise.”
Isaiah 43:21 (NKJV)
We were created for God’s pleasure and praise. Our very existence is designed to reflect His glory. When we praise God, we step into the core of our created purpose. Moreover, the book of Psalms instructs us to praise the Lord so long as we have the breath of life in us.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
Psalm 150:6 ESV
Because Praise Is a Sacrifice
“Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”
Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV)
Even when it’s not convenient, easy, or natural, praise remains both our duty and our delight. It is a spiritual offering that pleases God. This “sacrifice” speaks when words fail and reminds us who is truly worthy. We don’t need to wait until we’re “in the mood”—that feeling may never come. As believers, we must learn to override the desires of the flesh and respond to the Spirit’s call to offer what is due: a sacrifice of praise.
Because Praise Is a Response of Faith
Life will not always feel good. There will be days when it feels like you’re walking on thorns, rough rocks, or through fire. But praise, in such moments, is an intentional act of faith. In Psalm 42:11, David encouraged himself into praising God. He was intentional about it.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 (NIV)
The word “yet” is powerful. It means, “even though it hurts, even though it’s confusing, even though there’s no breakthrough in sight… I will praise.” Choosing to respond to such situations with praise is a declaration of your faith in God to make it right.
Because Praise Is a Weapon
In 2 Chronicles 20, when the armies of Moab, Ammon, and Mount Seir came against Judah, the people were terrified. Even King Jehoshaphat was shaken. But when they sought the Lord, He assured them, “The battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15).
What did they do next? They praised.
“And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir… and they were defeated.”
2 Chronicles 20:22 (NIV)
No sword was drawn. No man was lost. Praise won the battle. That’s not poetic—it’s literal. As they praised, God fought. This is your sign to turn to praise over anything you’ve prayed about but seems to be yet unanswered. As you praise, God is working and victory is certain.
When Should You Praise?
- When things are going well – Because He deserves it.
- When things are not – Because praise invites God into your circumstance.
- When you’re waiting for answers – Praise activates your faith while God works behind the scenes.
My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.
Psalm 71:8 ESV
Whether in joy or pain, in clarity or confusion, let praise become your default response. Like Paul and Silas in prison, praise will shake the very foundations of your situation and grant you the much needed freedom (Acts 16:25–26).
Praise is not just a warm-up before the “real” spiritual moment. It is the spiritual moment. It reflects your faith, acknowledges God’s greatness, and welcomes divine intervention.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
Psalm 150:6 (NIV)
Faith+blog 