When the builders laid the foundaiton of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and the trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David King of Isael. With praise and thanksgiving thye sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy form the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away. Ezra 3:10-13
When you pray and ask God for help, do you praise him when he answers?
The people sang songs of praise to God when they saw the foundation of the temple laid down because it showed that God answered their prayers. This also showed His goodness to them. When we truly praise God, it honors the Lord and his work. This is a part of worship which all of God’s people are to participate.
Are you participating?
God’s law encourages orderly worship. However, it did not limit praise to a set form or pattern. Some of the people saw the splendor of Solomon’s orginal temple, some shouted for joy and some wept loudly. Our worship and praise should be flexible to be able to express our love to God in a variety of ways. As long as it is honoring to God. Since God made us different, we should be able to respond individually to the Holy Spirit.
How do you praise God?
Do you have a variety of ways to worship and praise God?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for making us all unique. Thank you that we get to praise you uniquely also. I pray that we will be joyful and sincere in our praises to you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
