The Bible said that King David prayed to God three times a day, but praised God seven times.
From this, we may draw a conclusion that praise plays an important part in Christian life.
But, what kind of praise pleases God?
Rev. Zhang Xiaofa of Hangzhou Sicheng Church delivered a sermon around the topic "To Praise God" in a praise meeting held in Congyi Church, Hangzhou and listed the following praises that God loves.
1. The Lord delights in praise through singing with the heart.
In Hebrews 13:15 "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name."
Rev. Zhang points out that praise is a sacrifice God is pleased with and Christians should often praise the Lord.
The verse tells us that those who confess His name is worthy to praise Him. "Praise represents a requirement God has for his children, His will and His pleasure."
Paul reminded Christians to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" and with the absence of obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking in Chapter 5 of Book of Ephesians.
He also said that there are two kinds of "beauty". The first one refers to the beauty of one's voice -- low and high pitches, tone and melody. It needs practice and can be done through learning.
The other is the beauty of soul, the voice of praise to God. It needs the heart to exhibit devoutness, fear and thanks which are in favor of God.
"The one who praises (the Lord) shouldn't show off his or her personal skills. Because the leading voice to be praised is God forever, otherwise it loses the significance."
He reminds that the two kinds of beauty combined into the sacrifice of praise pleased by God.
2. God asks for praise with clean hands and pure heart.
Psalm 22:3 "Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises."
The verses tells us that God sets a higher demand from us.
Rev. Zhang says that God asks the praises to be done with singing and the heart as well as our deeds to be holy.
"Those who serve Him must be holy since God is holy." He says that those who live in holiness with the holy witness can praise God.
3.Be on guard against "acting" praise.
Amos 5:22-23 stated" Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps."
The pastor says that God shows no pleasure in their songs, because they are not praise at all.
"God created music to let humans praise Him, but not all the pieces of music are to praise Him." God won't listen to praise through which men show performance or give event to feelings.The church should be on guard against any worldly music.
In the end, the pastor reminds the congregation to take care of the four problems in praise and worship: to value skills instead of spirits; talents in the praise meetings idolized; the attitude focuses on personal performance instead of worship; go for ostentation and extravagance, instead of the interna; reflection.
How should Christians praise God?
Praise God in everything from morning to the evening, especially when you're frustrated.
"Praise is the ministry of life. God will set the throne among us through praise." He says.
