Adoration in Our Prayer


Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.
—Psalm 100:4 WEB*

The model for prayer given to us by Jesus (also called the Lord's Prayer, the Disciples Prayer and the Our Father) begins with adoration (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2). We should enter God's presence with praise (Psalm 100:4).

We should praise God for several reasons. First, God worthy of our praise. Second, praise sets the proper tone for our prayer. Third, praise reminds us of who God is and His inclination toward us. And fourth, praise purges us of other concerns and softens our hearts for prayer.

Many Scripture passages in the Bible remind us of the importance of praise. For example, we are called to praise God, in recognition of what God has done for us (1 John 3:1; 1 Peter 2:9-10; 1 John 5:14). Through our praise we show our respect and fear — reverential awe — for God (Psalm 34:11). By our praise we focus the attention of others onto God (Psalm 45:17). Our praise brings us closer to God (Psalm 45:18). We praise because of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness are endless (Psalm 36:5). Even the lonely and destitute are to praise (1 Timothy 5:5). It is important that we cease our daily busyness and exalt God (Psalm 46:10). Waiting on God lifts us up and renews us (Psalm 40:1-3; Psalm 90:13-17; Isaiah 40:27-31). We are to continually offer praise to God (Hebrews 13:15).

To help us in our times of praise we may play recorded music, such as favorite hymns or praise and worship songs. We may also read Scripture passages to God, whether silently or aloud, as part of our time of adoration. Here are just some of the possible Scripture passages we might employ: Psalms 8, 19, 23, 46, 95, 98, 84, 100, 103, 145, 148, 150; Isaiah 40; Matthew 22:32-33; Luke 1:46-55, 67-79; Revelation 4:8; 5:12-14, 9-10.


* WEB - The World English Bible, a Public Domain, Modern English translation of the Holy Bible developed by Rainbow Missions, Inc. URL: ebible.org

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