STUDY 9: PRAISE AND WORSHIP
MAIN TEXTS: NEHEMIAH 8:1-6; 2 CHRONICLES 7:1-6
MEMORY VERSE: NEHEMIAH 8:6
This study looks at the believer’s fellowship with God concerning
praise and worship which are tools which promote victorious Christian living (Ephesians
6:18). The study will also look at the difference between praise and worship,
and how each of the two is directed to God.
The Hebrew term for worship is shachah, which means “to
depress”, “to prostate oneself”, or “to bow oneself down as an act of respect
before a superior being”. God is the center
of the believer’s worship and to Him is total reverence given. He is the One
around whom we order the priorities of our lives. To worship God therefore is
to ascribe ultimate value to Him by means such as reverence and adoration.
One of the Hebrew
terms translated in the
Bible as
praise is halal, which literary means “to shine”, “to be splendid”,
“to celebrate” or to cause to shine. To praise God is to acknowledge Him
in words as creator and sustainer of the universe. He is our Father, Provider, and Redeemer.
STUDY QUESTIONS
1.
What do you understand by worship directed to
God?
2.
What do you understand by praise directed to
God?
3.
How did Ezra and his people worship and praise
God? Nehemiah 8:1-6
4.
How did Solomon and his people praise and
worship God? 2 Chronicles 7:1-6
5.
What are some of the ways by which Christians
praise and worship God?
6.
What benefits do Christians get when they
praise and worship God?
CONCLUSION: Ezra and the people, after reading from the Law, lifted their hands,
bowed their heads to the ground and worshipped the Lord. During Solomon’s days,
when the people saw the presence of God, they fell to their feet and worshipped
the Lord. In our days, God expects us to worship Him. A Church that excels in
praises and worship exhibits the presence and power of God. Believers therefore
need to make time for quality praises and worship for meaningful fellowship
with God.
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