Journey to the Cross

Pause

Begin by asking God for eyes to see, a heart to praise, and a voice to give thanks.

Center yourself in God’s goodness and faithful love. Rest in knowing that God’s intentions for you are for good, not for harm.

Be reminded that there is nothing that can separate you from God’s never-ending love.

Listen

As Jesus approached the road leading down from the Mount of Olives, the whole throng of his disciples began rejoicing. They praised God with a loud voice because of all the mighty things they had seen. They said,

“Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.”

Luke 19:37-38

Think

Praise is one of those church words we assume everyone knows and everyone understands. It’s a word we hear over and over in the book of Psalms. And it’s a part of our modern day worship language, both in traditional hymns and contemporary choruses.

Often we talk about praise within the context of positive behavior. We reserve praise for top students, talents, and performers. We praise what we admire in others or what we hope for ourselves. And if we are honest, we also withhold praise because of jealousy. How often is our praise tied to self or ego?

True praise shifts our attention, our eyes, our bodies, and our hearts away from our conniving, selfish, jealous selves and toward the One who doesn’t operate at all like we do. Every great thing that the Lord does comes from a perfect place, from a source that is always good and always loving. If we can understand God’s motivation for acting in our lives and in the world, then why would praise not continually be on our tongues?

Devita Parnell

Pray

God, I praise you because you are always good. I praise you because you are always loving. I praise you because of the mighty things you have done. Amen.

Go

Pay attention to your words and actions today. Share generously your praise toward God and others.

Rejoice. Celebrate. Praise.