[219]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - PRAISE GOD – PRAISE GOD
This is a poem written solely for the matter of praise. It could become a hymn but I am not capable of writing music and harmony.
Praise is the focus being placed on the Father and Son or One or the Other. It is not a focus on ourselves. Egocentric singing does not praise God. When you sing stuff like, “Lord, I am doing this for You and doing that, etc.”, then the focus is on YOU. I tried to write this with the focus on the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the difference between praise and worship? For me, worship is more personal, whereas praise is the expression to glorify the Godhead.
{{John 9:37-38 Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him, and He is the one who is talking with you,” and he said, “Lord, I believe,” AND HE WORSHIPPED HIM.”}}
We praise God for who He is; for His glory; and for what He has done for His creation, including salvation. One of the greatest openings to a praise hymn is this one :- [[“Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O earth, His wonderful love proclaim!” written by blind Fanny Crosby in 1869]]. It is so regrettable these great hymns are being replaced by insubstantial songs, in our generation.
If you care to do a study on praise and what is means, then you must become engrossed in the Psalms. The word “praise” is frequently used. Look at the references and see how each one relates to praise.
What better way to conclude this Introduction that with the words of Psalm 150 that sums up the whole book of Psalms, the word being used 13 times in these 6 verses:-
{{Psalm 150:1 PRAISE the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary. Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Psalm 150:2 Praise Him for His mighty deeds. Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Psalm 150:3 Praise Him with trumpet sound. Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Psalm 150:4 Praise Him with timbrel and dancing. Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Psalm 150:5 Praise Him with loud cymbals. Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!}}
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PRAISE GOD – PRAISE GOD
Praise God! Praise God! Praise God the Almighty.
Praise God for comfort and security.
Hope of the Christians from time past ‘til now;
Praise God who dwells in holy purity.
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[REFRAIN/CHORUS]
Our God is worthy of praise.
To Him our voices raise,
With His saints in His presence,
Through Jesus Christ our entrance.
On Him one day we will gaze.
Our God is worthy of praise.
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Glory and praise all belong to our Lord.
He is Creator, Sustainer, and reigns.
Render to Him what is due from us all,
Creatures of His who exalt with refrains.
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Mighty is His great hand in salvation
Jesus Christ, the victorious Saviour
Praise the dear Lord who endured the cross,
Who changed our wayward life and behaviour.
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Ronald E Ferguson 26 January 2022 Metre – 10s, and 7 for Refrain. ABCB and AABBCC