Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PRAISE

An expression of worship which recognizes and acknowledges God as the ultimate source and giver of all good gifts. In the Bible it encompasses a number of elements. (1) The call to praise can be expressed in a variety of ways, including “praise” (Heb. hll; e.g., Ps. 113:1, 3; 117:1); “thank” (ydh; 136:1-3); “bless” (brk; 34:1[MT 2]; 113:2; 134:1); “magnify” (gdl; 34:3[4]; 69:30[31]); “glorify” (šbḥ; 117:1); “sing” (šîr; Ps. 33:3; Exod. 15:21). Scholars discuss nuances of difference among the various terms, but they clearly belong to the same semantic field. (2) This call is addressed to a diverse audience: the inner self (Ps. 103:1-2), the community of Israel (113:1; 135:1-2), all peoples and nations (117:1), even creation itself (148:3-10). Humans, in fact, are to be the voice for the praise rendered by all creatures. (3) The ground or motive of praise (often introduced by ki, “for, because”) is some action of God on my/our behalf. It can be an act of redemption or deliverance when we were in need (Ps. 22:23-31[24-32]; 30:1-12[2-13]) or, more generally, God’s acts of creation (103), steadfastness, and constancy (117:1-2). In form critical terms, the former have been designated “thanksgivings” and the latter “hymns.” Claus Westermann proposes seeing the former as psalms of “narrative praise” and the latter as “descriptive praise.” As lament is prayer prayed in distress, from experiences of curse and brokenness, so praise is prayer prayed from experiences of blessing, life, and wholeness; as such it focuses on the Giver and the gift.

In the NT the work of God in Jesus is similarly marked by praise. Praise attends his birth (Luke 1:46-55, 68-79; 2:13-14) as well as his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (19:37-38 par.). The Christian community is called to praise God constantly (Col. 3:16-17); Gk. eucharístein means basically “to render thanks and praise.” The book of Revelation abounds in cosmic hymns of praise (e.g., Rev. 19:1-2, 5, 6-8).

Bibliography. P. D. Miller, They Cried to the Lord: The Form and Theology of Biblical Prayer (Minneapolis, 1994); C. Westermann, Praise and Lament in the Psalms (Atlanta, 1981).

Michael D. Guinan, O.F.M.

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

PRAISE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)