Creative Ways to Praise God and Connect
I think often about creative ways to praise God to connect with Him intimately.
I played a church organ for nearly a decade. Many times little refrains I’d played for years re-echo at unexpected times—while washing clothes, eating lunch, or lying down for a night’s rest.
For years, “praise God from whom all blessings flow” resounded heavily inside.”Other phrases like—we’re marching to Zion—and—there’s a song in the air—are still in my head. The words keep me from swirling about in the world aimlessly. Praise confirms God’s presence and teaches me how to praise God with words.
Are the praise words meant for you to speak on the back burner? Are you full of beautiful praises originating from a thankful soul? What if you sigh more than praise? Is that okay with God?
Creative Ways to Praise God: Learn How to Groan
A commonality exists among Christians. We sigh and groan. Everyone, including all creation, waits for Jesus to return.
Romans 8:20-23 – For on that day thorns and thistles, sin, death, and decay—the things that overcame the world against its will at God’s command—will all disappear, and the world around us will share in the glorious freedom from sin which God’s children enjoy.
For we know that even the things of nature, like animals and plants, suffer in sickness and death as they await this great event.And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering. We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as his children, including the new bodies he has promised us—bodies that will never be sick again and will never die.
I’ve moaned and groaned more in the last two years than I ever have. I want to see, with my eyes, prayers answered. Even if I don’t, I’m more than ready to enter into heaven’s freedom. The spirit part of me says, “Let’s go!”
I already know God doesn’t mind if I sigh. Jesus sighed too! When you release sighs, you’re more prepared to praise God and live joyfully. According to Psalm 55:17, God listens.
Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice.
Creative Ways to Praise God: Let Your Joy Be Full
Toddlers are exuberant beyond explanation anticipating Christmas morning. Maybe you recall getting a pony or your first car. Pretty cool stuff to remember. The latest techy gadgets excite us, football games, and mountain views. Hold onto those thoughts. Christians should be that excited when praising God.
How do you get from there to here?
You praise what you value. Catch the gist of these Biblical praises . . .
We proclaim how great you are and tell of the wonderful things you have done. (Psalm 75:1)
God is wise and powerful! Praise him forever and ever. (Daniel 2:20)
Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! He rescues the oppressed from the power of evil people. (Jeremiah 20:13)
Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son! (Ephesians 1:5)
The LORD is my strong defender; he is the one who has saved me. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will sing about his greatness. (Exodus 15:2)
I will tell of the LORD’s unfailing love; I praise him for all he has done for us. He has richly blessed the people of Israel because of his mercy and constant love. (Isaiah 63:7)
Praise for these praisers was a regular habit. How do I know? Because I can’t praise God unless the gunk leaves my heart and God comes in. I praise from an overflow of enjoying God. I can’t stay silent when He fills me to the brim with Himself. Praise spills over to joy. You get there by being thankful.
Creative Ways to Praise God: Encourage Thankfulness by Praying
I have a plaque in my kitchen showing an older couple seated at the table with their heads bowed. Below the picture are the words from I Thessalonians 5:18 that remind me how to praise God in prayer.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Verse 19 of I Thessalonians 5 follows up by stating, “Do not quench the spirit.” That’s great counsel from God! Frowns, smirks, and snarls reflect you haven’t turned everything over to God. In learning how to praise God, God’s prerequisite list probably has thankfulness at the top. I’d go so far as to say that thankful prayers are compulsory.
A thankful attitude makes life seem brighter, even when facts dictate otherwise. God knows if we focus on what’s not good about life then we’re likely to travel a downhill course. In my experience, a thankful heart keeps me focused on the one from whom all blessings flow. Joy takes over and I can’t help but feel happier. I may even belt out songs of worship.
How Good It Is to Sing Praises to God!
The abundance of praise music available these days is a godsend. When driving to work, I played praise CDs in my car to and from work. I could worship God for 40 minutes each day I worked. Put on headphones at lunchtime or play worship music when you arise or before going to bed. Experience the difference inside you!
It doesn’t matter if you think you can sing or not. As long as Christian songs make melody in your heart, your spirit will soar and worship Him.
Final Remarks on Creative Ways to Praise God
So in a nutshell. Creative ways to praise God include: Groaning, Being joyful, Praying, and Singing. It’s really that simple. Make praise a habit, and you’ll look forward to praising God day and night.
Psalm 96:4 – For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.
He’s totally worth the effort. Christians don’t praise Him to receive blessings but you’ll notice He doesn’t mind sending them your way.
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