In a practical sense, how can we continuously be praising God?
What is New Testament praise?
Eight Gk words are used in NT.
Gk ainos can mean to praise or to tell.
Of praise, it is used for joyful praise of God in hymn or prayer, often expressing thanksgiving to God for blessings received or expected
By individuals. Lk 2.20, Lk 18.43, Ac 3.8-9
A group. Mt 21.16, Lk 19.37
The community. Ac 2.47, Rev 19.5
Gk epainos is a strengthened form of ainos, adding the prefix epi, upon, used for commendation of God, e.g. praising His glory exhibiting His character and works
By individual saints. Eph 1.12
By the community of saints. Eph 1.14
Praise for His grace (Eph 1.6), His making sinners righteous (Phil 1.11)
As a side note, epainos is used for praise, speaking well of, people other than God
God praises saints: Rom 2.29, 1 Cor 4-5, 1 Pet 1.7
Saints praise saints: 2 Cor 8.18
We are to direct our minds toward praiseworthy things: Phil 4.8
Ainesis: a sacrifice of praise; Heb 13.15
In these verses the Authorized Version translates doxa, literally “glory”, as “praise”: Jn 9.24, 12.43, 1 Pet 4.11
Hymneo, to sing to the praise of: Mt 26.30, Ac 16.25, Heb 2.12
Psallo, literally to twitch or to twang (an instrument’s strings), became used in the LXX to sing songs of praise; Jas 5.13
Exomologeo, to acknowledge, agree fully, confess (praise), profess (thanksgiving); Rom 15.9
Eulogeo, normally used “to bless”, is used by the AV as “to praise” in Lk 1.64
My personal definition: Praising God means two things, one passive and one active. The passive thing is that every aspect of my daily life, in every circumstance, could be viewed by others as saying something good about God. The active thing is that my conscious thoughts (or words) to Him would consistently have an underpinning of faith and confidence in Him and gratitude toward Him; and that my words to others about Him would convey the same ideas.
What practical suggestions do you have for others seeking to improve their life-practice of praising God? What “techniques” could you share that work well for you?
Be meditating on Scripture throughout the day; and include the Lord in the meditation, e.g. be talking to Him about that Scripture.
Attempt to recognize and acknowledge the Lord’s hand in the things you see happening to you or around you.