THE INSTRUMENT OF PRAISE

1. The memory verse has established the fact that the main instrument of praise to God should be man – “let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6a). Every living soul is created for the pleasure of God (Philippians 2:13; Revelation 4:11; Isaiah 43:6-7), as such, should yield his/herself as an instrument of praise to God.

Undoubtedly, the most beautiful organs (instruments) to use in praising our God is our voices and hearts, therefore, we must combine the two rightly for our praise to be effective. We are not supposed to praise God with just our lips as admonished in Isaiah 29:13 and Matthew 15:8. When the heart and lips are rightly harnessed, naturally, body movements and expression (dancing) will spice up the praise to the glory of God. Nevertheless, it is common for Christians to generally consider praise as a combination of fast sounding songs and free-dancing to God. However you may choose to look at it, praise means far more than just singing and dancing. Praise is a form of worship when fellowshipping with God (Psalms 66:4). When you engage in praise, you are opening up unto God (Psalms 100:4).

YOU AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PRAISE

Since the best instrument of praise is the Lord’s people (you and I), we should praise God in the following forms:

1. As living souls and not allow Him raise stones and dry bones to do that in our place Psalm 150:6, Psalm 148:7, Luke 19:40; Ezekiel 37:7-10. 2. 
2. As a nation, tribe and kindred Psalms 147:12; 2 Chronicles 20:18-19 3. 
3. As they that are in love with Him Proverbs 8:17 4. 
4. As they that are of broken heart and of a contrite spirit Psalms 51:17 5. 
5. As they that are thirsty and hungry for the Lord Matthew 5:6 6. 
6. As they who are called according to His purpose 1 Peter 2:9

WHERE TO PRAISE HIM

1. We are to praise Him in His sanctuary with lifting of hands Psalms 134:2; 150:1.
2. In the congregation of the saints – Psalms 149:1; 107:32
3. We should praise Him while we are yet in bed – Psalms 149:5

WHY WE SHOULD PRAISE HIM

1. We should praise Him for His goodness and for His wonderful works – Psalms 107:31
2. For His mighty works, acts and power – Psalms 150:2a
3. For His excellent greatness – Psalms 150:2b, 48:1
4. For who He is (That is for His surpassing greatness) – Exodus 3:14; 15:11; Psalms 150:2; 145:3
5. We praise Him because we are not forgetful of all His benefits – Psalm 103:2
6. For His loving kindness and truth – Psalms 138:2
7. We praise Him because He created us for Himself – Psalms 100:3
8. We praise Him because He inhabits in our praise – Psalms 22:3

WHO IS TO PRAISE HIM?

1. His people who are so in love and thirsty for Him – Romans 8:28; Matthew 5:6
2. Every living soul – Psalms 150:6; 148:7
3. Every nation and tribe – Psalms 147:12

HOW TO PRAISE HIM

1. By playing and singing aloud with an incredible praise band – Psalms 150:3-5; 81:1-2, 95:1-2; 98:4-6
2. By praising Him with a heart of overflowing love – 1 Samuel 2:1-2
3. By using our voices – psalm 66:8
4. By making a joyful noise unto the Lord – Psalms 100:1-2
5. With strings instruments, high sounding cymbals and trumpets – Psalms 150:3-5
6. With our clap offerings – Psalms 47:1
7. With our dancing – Psalms 149:3

WHEN TO PRAISE HIM

1. From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord should be praised – Psalms 113:3.
2. From now to evermore, we are to praise the name of the Lord – Psalms 113:2.
3. We are to praise Him whenever we pray – Philippians 4:6.

THE BENEFITS OF OFFERING YOURSELF AS INSTRUMENT OF
PRAISE

1. Praise chases away despair/heaviness – Isaiah 61:3
2. It exalts us above our problems – Psalms 27:4-5; 61:2
3. It facilitates access to God – Hebrew 10:19; Psalms 100:4
4. It helps us experience the reality of God’s presence. True praise brings us in
   communion with the Holy Ghost – Psalms 22:3

Praising God is an integral part of worship and fellowship with God. Since you are an instrument of praise to God, you are to present yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable. The right attitude of praise also attracts benefits to him/her who offers it reasonably to God.