“Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, acknowledging his name. 16 And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” Hebrews 13:15,16 NET
God who is worthy of our praise (Psalm 145:3),
I must confess that I remember this verse in my own shortened form “We must continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God.” Because I read a book called Praise Avenue which spoke about where Christians should live spiritually!
Sacrifice – had to be the best you had to offer. Not maimed not half hearted. It should remind us we can’t fob God off with something substandard. Praise – is expressing our respect and gratitude to You, God, either in words, song or deeds. We should continually offer a sacrifice of praise to You even when we don’t feel like it or when life doesn’t feel praiseworthy. Not always easy to remember let alone do . . . But Your gift of salvation never ceases and Your mercies to us never come to an end.
And verse 16 starts with and . . . can’t be chopped off it is part of what has gone before. It is the practical outworking. You lift our thoughts and hearts to heaven and then ground us in how that works out! A heart attitude of praise to You . . . and . . . not forgetting to do good and share what we have. And You will be pleased. How wonderful.
In Jesus name we pray and praise, Amen
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God who is worthy of our praise,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. Grant them answers to prayer and thankful hearts.
Thank You for answered prayer.
For our church fellowships, ministers, officials, congregations. Hearts to praise You.
For King Charles, the Queen and the royal family. Help Charles and Kate rest and recover at home. Direct and guide them.
For our government and their families. We need You to form, guide and direct each MP.
For Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales, the beauty of our United Kingdom.
For Ukraine and Russian. We will not cease to ask You to bring peace and an end to war.
For where there is war, military oppression, division: Myanmar, Gaza, Sudan, Afghanistan, North Korea, Nigeria, China . . . be the God of peace and justice and bring change.
For our involvement in international relationships and politics.
For those who show their love by giving and doing good. For charities, emergency relief and support groups all around the world..
For ourselves, keep us from becoming negative and when we cannot praise or do not feel like it comfort and uphold us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 30th January 2024
I don’t know where I know this from but I love both the words and the melody..
I cast my mind to Calvary
Where Jesus bled and died for me
I see His wounds, His hands, His feet
My Saviour on that cursed tree
His body bound and drenched in tears
They laid Him down in Joseph’s tomb
The entrance sealed by heavy stone
Messiah still and all alone
O praise the Name of the Lord our God
O praise His Name forevermore
For endless days we will sing Your praise
Oh Lord, oh Lord our God
Then on the third at break of dawn
The Son of heaven rose again
O trampled death where is your sting?
The angels roar for Christ the King
O praise the Name of the Lord our God . . .
He shall return in robes of white
The blazing sun shall pierce the night
And I will rise among the saints
My gaze transfixed on Jesus’ face
O praise the Name of the Lord our God . . .
Lyrics: Benjamin Hastings