Andrew Fountain - Singing Praise to God

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  • What is the difference between “praise” and “worship”?
  • Definition of worship:
    • To worship God is to acknowledge him as our Lord both in word and in action.
  • Nehemiah 8:6
    • Then all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen!’ while lifting up their hands.
    • Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:3, the ideas are the other way around
    • they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshipped
    • then praised the Lord, saying: ‘For he is good, For his mercy endures forever.’
  • Ronald B. Allen makes the following statement:
    • …Praise to God must be vocal and in a public forum. Praise is not silent, nor is praise possible in solitude.
      • Praise! A Matter of Life and Breath by R. B. Allen (Nashville:Nelson, 1980), p.58
  • Psalm 9:1 —notice what David says here about praise.
    • I will praise you O Lord, with my whole heart.
      I will tell of all your marvellous works.
  • Praising God, is telling of his works. It is telling forth, declaring, proclaiming God’s works.
    • In verse 11 the Psalmist encourages other people to join in by saying,
    • Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion!
    • Declare his deeds, among the people.
  • Psalm 107:21,22 reads:
    • Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness
    • And for his wonderful works to mankind!
    • Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving,
    • And declare his works with rejoicing.
  • 1 Peter 2:9 —very clear verse
    • But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his own special people
    • that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

Examples

But am I making too much of a distinction?

Why sing? Why not just talk?

Public and vocal

Updated on 2009-11-23 (r.101) by Andrew Fountain