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Introduction:
Hebrews
13:15
says, “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice
of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his
name.” In Acts
16:25 we see an example of Paul and Silas offering up this
fruit of the lips, the sacrifice of praise acknowledging the name
of God. We have learned a great many things about God, getting to
know Him and walking closer to Him. Every step of the way, with
each lesson we should have been prompted more and more to praise
God. He is great. He is awesome. He is worthy of praise. As we
conclude our focus, Walks
with God, instead of having a lesson about praising God, we
will have a period of praising God, using a series of Scripture
readings, songs and prayers, let us learn about praising God by
doing it. Discussion: Song: He Is In Our
Midst (HFW #22) I.
In God’s presence. C.
Isaiah
6:1-7 Prayer:
Praising God for allowing us in His presence Song:
Holy, Holy, Holy (HFW #1) II.
Encouragement to Praise A.
Psalm
145 B.
Psalm
146 C.
Psalm
147 D.
Psalm
148 Prayer: Praising God for His magnificent character Song: Praise the Lord
(HFW #21) III.
Praise for God’s mighty works A.
Psalm
47 B.
Psalm
106 C.
Psalm
111 D.
Psalm
135 Prayer: Praising God for His work through history, leading to
His plan of salvation Song: Psalm 106 (HFW
#559) IV.
Praise God for His work in our lives A.
Psalm
30 B.
Psalm
63 C.
Psalm
90 D.
Isaiah
12 Prayer: Praising God for his work in our lives Song: Alleluia
(Supp #54) V.
Responsive Reading of Praise A.
In years past, a form of congregational praise which we
have all but forgotten was the responsive reading. The leader of
the assembly would read a passage or a series of statements that
praised God and the assembly would interject a response throughout
the reading. I think perhaps we have neglected this form of praise
because we view it as too liturgical. However, the scripture
indicates it was a form of praise at least for our Old Testament
forbears. Psalm
136 is an example of a responsive psalm. Let us praise God
together by reading this psalm responsively. I will read the first
part of each verse and you, the assembly, will respond with the
repetitive phrase: “for his steadfast love endures forever” (ESV). B.
Responsive Reading—Psalm
136 Prayer: Praising God for His lovingkindness and abiding mercy Song: Psalm 136 (HFW
#507) Conclusion: Psalm 117 says: “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” I trust we are all closer to God for the study and focus we have done this month. I pray that our walk with God, however, will not end tonight as our Focus ends. Let us remember that we have been created for the praise of God’s glory. Let us always praise the Lord; He is indeed worthy.
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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