Expanding Our Vocabulary

Over and over, the Scriptures instruct us to offer the highest praise to God, whose greatness is unmatched, whose love is unfathomable, whose grace is unlimited, whose compassion is unfailing, and whose mercies are new every morning. Meditating on the timeless, living Word of God helps us to build a rich vocabulary of praise that we then offer back to the LORD. As we internalize passages such as the ones below, we find that praise, gratitude, and a deep sense that all is well begin to replace fear, anxiety and despair. We become less self-centered and more other-centered, motivated to spread the love that we ourselves have received as a free gift from God...

Psalm 111
Praise the LORD.
I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.
Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate…
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.
He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
To him belongs eternal praise.”

Jude 24-25
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our LORD, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Revelation 7:11-12
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

Heavenly Father and Mighty LORD, we praise you this day for every attribute of your greatness. As we draw near to you and seek to expand our vocabulary of praise, may the honor and glory that is due your name be continually on our lips. Amen.