Prayer & Praise

Stop. 

Take a deep breath. As you breathe in, say: “Filled with praise”. As you breathe out, say: “With every breath.” 

Listen.  

O come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! – Psalm 95:6  

Reflect.  

The pandemic requires us to reconsider how and why we worship. It feels less familiar. In many ways, worship is smaller and quieter than we’re used to. That’s a big loss. 

Without a big choir or powerful band, what does praise sound like? So many of us equate worship with music but singing in a big group can’t happen safely right now. So what does praise sound like today? How can our worship, no matter how small, still celebrate and raise voices to God? 

Praise doesn’t have to be loud or busy, although it can be. Praise can also be the simple recognition of God’s action in your life. It can be declaring your love for God on a daily basis. Praise can be whispered prayer, faithful service, and devoted time set aside to be in God’s presence. It can happen in a full sanctuary, but it can also happen on your couch. God is with you in either place, because God goes with you everywhere. Praise might sound different right now, but it can still be beautiful. 

Pray.  

God of all creation, I raise my voice to praise you. Make it powerful and beautiful, no matter how small or quiet. Let my praise reflect my love for you in all I do and say. Amen. 

Carry On.  

It can help to have a spot for your prayer and praise. If it’s not in the church building, where can it be in your house? Can you make a dedicated spot for worship at home?