What is Praise & Worship?

The Hebrew word for "worship" in the Old Testament has many meanings including: lying face down, flat on the ground in humility, adoration, and submission; to bow down; to humbly seek; to serve. In the New Testament Greek meanings include: to adore, kiss, crouch down; to server or enter divine service.

The word "praise" in Hebrew includes: giving thanks; to bless; to hold hands; worship with extended hands; kneel; celebrate; make music and sing songs; rejoice; profess; and promise. In the Greek: Glory, honor, worship, to sing praise songs; applaud; acknowledge; and fully agree with.

Is Praise a Weapon for Victory Over Evil? Some Hebrew definitions of the word, “praise” include: instruments of music; weapons; triumph and victory. Think about it: Could this mean that praise music and songs are spiritual weapons leading to victory over sin and evil? What do you think?

Praise is the Faith Filled Release of Power...

because you are worshiping and thanking God for results, often even before they are seen in this physical reality. In praise you are honoring God, (read Psalm 50:23). Praising God for answering your prayers before you can see the answer is an expression of “believing as though you have received,” (read Mark 11:23, 24). Praise is accepting with faith what God has promised to do. Every time I saw a real miracle, where people were healed or the impossible happened before my eyes; it almost never happened during the moments of begging or whining prayer; but during the moments of joyful faith filled praise, power was released.

The word, “praise” is found 123 times in Psalms.

Why Praise?

I asked myself, "Does God need praise?" Obviously if God is God; He don't need my praise. So why praise and worship? Then I realized, if it is not for Him; it must be for me. Why do I need to praise Him? Praise increases my own joy and releases power in my life. All the greatest men of the Bible where men who would praise God in all situations, knowing with faith that “all things work together for them that love God,” (Romans 8:28). Praise is expressing your love to God. When I praise Him my thoughts are on things to thank Him for and are not on fears, doubts, and problems. I am expressing my love to Him. This opens my eyes to be more aware of how real God is in my life and what He has done and is doing for me. The reality of God’s love and concern for me becomes the focus. My mind and my heart are encouraged and filled with more faith. My love for Him increases, our relationship becomes more real, and I feel more of His presence in me. You will travel in the direction your eyes are focused. Focus upon his love though praise and not on fear nor the storms in life. Focus upon victory and not defeat. Praise can move you from fear to faith.

Most importantly, praise puts me in the presence of God Himself. God is with me when I praise Him. It is written in the Word that; “God inhabits the praises of His people,” (see Psalms 22:3). The Greek word for “inhabits” here also means to “dwell” or “remain in.” So God Himself dwells in and can manifest His power through the praises of His people. Therefore, if God is present within praise, to enter the very presence of God we should enter into praise. The praising and glorifying God is one of our purposes in life. It is a secret weapon of great power against the enemy. As I draw closer to God with expressions of my love through praise, God renews my heart and refills me with the peace, joy and loving presence of the only real God.

Other Things to Know About Praise:

We are commanded to continually offer up praise to God, (Hebrews 13:15).
It is God’s will for you to praise Him. You should always be joyful, pray, and give thanks in all situations, (read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

The first sin was pride and self-focus; self-worship and self-praise. When Satan perverted the worship of God by attempting to transfer praise of God to Himself. Pride then is the praise of self rather than the God who made you; pride is the root of sin. The opposite of praise is criticism of self and others. Complaining, doubt, fear and all these things weaken a man; while praising God will strengthen Him.

Man's pride in making a god after his own image leads to the second death. Using our weapons of praise and worship of God releases power to defeat evil within and around us, giving us a higher quality of life here and forever.