Praise
as a Spiritual Practice
PRACTICE
52 Weeks of Spiritual Practice By Deborah Williams
The purpose of the 52 Principles is
to develop a partnership, a connection with God. Connecting with God is why we
are here; the soul’s desire. To be in communication with the Creator is ideally
the most fulfilling life, our best life. The intent of the 52 Principles
is God-realization through the daily practice of spiritual principles. Practice
the principles with frequency and find God-consciousness through your own
efforts. This week’s spiritual principle is Praise.
Praise is service, devotion, and
reverence to God. Praise is a celebration of the goodness of God that requires
conscious thought. Thoughts determine how you praise and if you praise. The scriptures
affirm that “God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship
in Spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Contemplating the goodness and greatness
of God produces feelings of joy, gratitude, and thankfulness. Joy and praise
are inseparable. Joy is the energy that converts to praise. Joy is our natural
state. Have a direct experience with God
by following the energy/thought of God’s personal grace in your life. If you
have something to be thankful for, you have cause to praise God.
Some cultures continue to offer
animal sacrifices as a demonstration of reverence or worship. During the season
of Lent, Christians make personal sacrifices as a religious practice. The key
element of praise and worship is that it is practiced with heart; between you
and God. You are a letter written not
with ink but with the Spirit of the living
God, a letter written not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts (2
Corinthians 3:3).
Praise
Practices: Plain and Simple
Be thankful for the simple things
Give God the glory by always doing
your best
Demonstrate radical kindness to
everyone you encounter
Dance with the Divine – The art of
dance and music
Cultivate a feeling a thank-feel-ness
as you wake, and carry it with you
Smile –reset your attitude
Serve others with joy
Excellence – follow your energy
Think appreciation and follow that
energy
Give God the praise and credit for
your blessings
Be humble
A friendly countenance gives God
praise. Your gift – everyplace you bring light; what you touch enlivens you and
others. Praise is living with enthusiasm. Rejoice, brighten-up, and put on a
smile. You have loved what is right. You
have hated what is wrong. That is why God, Your God, has chosen You. He has
poured over You the oil of joy more than over anyone else (Hebrews 1:9).
When we praise God, we open ourselves up to more good, more of God’s grace.
What is your visual message?
What experience brings you a feeling
of joy?
How do you generate the feeling or
energy of joy?
Do you have a grateful heart?
How and why do you stop your joy?
What is your praise practice?
What does your God require for
praise, devotion, and worship?
How do you demonstrate praise for
your God? Develop your own spiritual practice.
Peace and Blessings
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