Years ago I came to realize a life-altering truth about prayer. I started praying differently because of it. I have also really grown closer to God in my faith. Here it is: prayer is more about changing me than changing things.
As I come to my Lord and Savior, and ask him for things, I’m learning to keep one eye open. Not looking at those things, but looking at myself. How is God answering these prayers in a way that impacts not as much my outward circumstances as my inward spiritual life?
Well, I just found an upgrade to this! Here it is: praise changes me, too! After all, praise to God is a form of prayer, calling on his name.
So, I’m learning to praise more openly and to let go more joyfully. When I do, my praise doesn’t just come out then God hears it and smiles. More than that. My praise comes out, and I smile!
I smile because I know and love the one who hears my praise and receives it gladly. I smile because nothing can prevent this. Nothing can stop me from glorifying God, from being thankful to him, from lifting his name above all the circumstances around me. I smile because I’m saved and fully loved and forgiven and promised an identity as a child of God.
Psalm 28:7 says, “My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Joy and praise go together. That’s what I’m talking about. I’m learning that when I praise God, there is joy in my heart. Actually, joy leaping out of my heart! Dare I say, it’s delightfully fun. A celebration of salvation!
PRAYER: God, I want to praise you more. More often. More deeply. Lifting your name higher. Lifting my voice louder. I’m asking that the joy of praising you for your saving works changes me, and I live above my circumstances because of it. Amen.
TAKE IT DEEPER: Check out the song “That’s the Thing About Praise” by Christian artists Benjamin William Hastings and Blessing Offor. Some of the lyrics help me appreciate that praise changes me. How about you?
There’s what I want, and then there’s where I’m at
Every one step forward, got me five steps back
And I cried, I called, God knows I prayed
But most days, faith is climbing up a mountain that stayed
Sometimes the only way through it is a hallelujah
It don’t always fix your problems, but it’ll tell ya how small they are
That’s the thing about praise
It won’t always move the mountain, but it’s good for the heart
That’s the thing about praise
Yeah, I might see walls start falling, or it might just change my heart
That’s the thing about praise
Sometimes the only way through it is a hallelujah
