Praise, Thanks, Worship

Psalm 30:12 That my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD, my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Psalm 63:4 I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.

Psalm 103:1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

Luke 5:26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."

Revelation 5:13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!"

As I sat down to pray today, I had quite a list of requests, petitions, intercessions and concerns... things that were heavy on my heart... 

I needed His peace. 

I gently laid my list down and placed it to the side for a moment... And then... I humbly praised Him. And I thanked Him. And I worshiped Him.

And as I went to the LORD in praise, thanksgiving, and worship, He refreshed my heart, He restored my soul, and He reminded me that He is God -- that He has not changed.  It felt good to sit in His Holy Presence, wrapped in His peace.

As I returned to the requests, intercessions and concerns, I began to pray for each precious, compelling need; but I prayed with a renewed heart, a renewed peace, and a renewed promise of His control and His Presence...  and as I began to pray, I was reminded that God is mighty, sovereign, and He is worthy to be praised. 

Praise be to You, Wonderful Counselor.  Your ways are perfect.  I thank You that You freely give Your wisdom, pouring it out to us through Your Word.  I praise You as I sit at Your feet, listening to Your counsel, learning Your ways.  I praise You for hearing every prayer I lift to You... every intercession, every concern, every request.

Praise be to You Almighty God.  LORD, I sit in awe of You. You are ever patient, ever compassionate, ever faithful. Your mercy and grace is new every morning. Thank you that I am found, and that You will never, ever let me go. Father, You are my constant companion, holding my right hand. 

Praise be to You, my Heavenly Father.  You are LORD of my life, LORD of my family, and LORD of my home. You are leading my family on an incredible journey as we are centered on You and Your will for us. I praise You and thank You because You love my children even more than I do. It is, quite simply, hard to fathom a love so intense; so incredibly deep. I praise You because You hold them tightly in Your mighty hand. I give them to You freely; use them for Your kingdom; and never, ever let them stray from Your path. And, yes, while Your path will include trials and lessons for our family, it will be filled with abundant promise, security, purpose and love. I praise You and thank You for Your constant Presence in our life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.