Good Morning All,
Greetings in the Name of Jesus, Savior and Lord
February 1, 2010
I have a great question for you. Answer it quickly. Ok? What were the first words out of your mouth this Monday morning? Could they have been along these lines: “Oh God, it’s Monday!?” Well, I’ve got an alternative for you and for your family! Read on.
One of the first steps to making your home a Home of Prayer Every day is to begin your time together in prayers of praise. The word for praise is used 358 times in the Bible and 219 of those times it is in the Psalms. The author of the Psalms seems to be calling out to us about the importance of praise in our prayers and worship. One of the best examples is in Psalm 145. He begins with the decision to praise God. He makes up his mind that this is how he is going to begin this time of prayer. He says it twice right at the beginning: “I will praise. . .I will praise.”
Check out the first seven verses.
Ps 145:1-7
I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name forever and ever.
2) Every day I will praise you
and extol your name forever and ever.
3) Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
His greatness no one can fathom.
4) One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
5) They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
6) They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
7_ They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness.
(from New International Version)
The author of this Psalm is a person whose prayer is filled with wonders and praise to God. Check out the verbs in this psalm of prayer:
...exalt...
...praise...
...praise...
...extol...
...commend...
...speak...
...meditate...
...tell...
...proclaim...
...celebrate...
...sing...
Now those are some great words to begin a Monday or any day this week! Try it. It may take some practice each day, but such will help you excel in praise! Have a great week.
Pastor Kal
Praise On!
Let me know some of your other “colorful” expressions are upon waking each day!! Let me know how you’re doing. Email comments, insights, applications to Pastor Kal at kwaetzig@stpaulstracy.org
P.S. Start again at Day 32 in the “Why Pray?” resource. Grab a copy of our Bible Reading Plan as well. It is printed on a card and available online or in the entryway of the church or ask Kim or Nancy for an extra copy. This will help you incorporate reading the Bible each day in your life!
