Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs. True biblical praise is more than just singing songs—it is an expressive, joyful, and outward act that focuses on God’s greatness, not our circumstances. Psalm 149 calls us to sing new songs, rejoice, and use instruments, making worship lively and fresh. When we sing praises, we actively declare God’s excellency and let our gratitude overflow, breaking free from suppression and bringing spiritual breakthrough and joy to the church.
Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
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Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
The Distinctiveness of Our Praise
Now, our body is unique in our area because of the way that we praise God. I guess that’s the primary difference. If you go to this church or any other church, the primary thing that you’re going to see different is the way that we praise God.
Psalm 149:1-9
1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
2 Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.
4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
5 Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds.
6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;
7 To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people;
8 To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;
9 To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.
Praise in the dance is Biblical, and we should enjoy this.
Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
We should have a strong desire to see our church grow in praise and worship. We should desire that our congregation move beyond its current state and enter a new dimension of praise. The goal is not just to talk, but to inspire real change and spiritual growth within the church community.
This message is centered on Psalm 149, with a focus on the first three verses. Notice how God instructs us to praise and what praise according to His name accomplishes for believers. The psalm encourages singing a new song, rejoicing, dancing in praise, and using instruments in worship. Notice that biblical praise is lively, expressive, and joyful in the King, not passive or dead.
The Seven Aspects of Biblical Praise
Seven aspects of praise are introduced from the first three verses: personal praise, singing praise, united praise, rejoicing in God praise, joyful praise, praise with dancing, and instrumental praise. Praise must begin with the individual. Corporate praise cannot happen unless individuals choose to praise God themselves. The congregation must actively participate, not just observe.
We should challenge traditional ideas that equate reverence with stillness or suppression. Biblical praise is expressive and involves movement, such as dancing and clapping. The house of God should be a place of expression in worship, not suppression. Praise is described as the way people express love to God, and everyone praises what they value most.
Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
Praise should not depend on personal feelings, circumstances, or the opinions of others. The Bible instructs believers to praise God according to His name, righteousness, and excellent greatness, not according to mood or situation. This requires a shift in focus from self to God. Praise is an act of will, not something that waits for a special feeling or a move of the Spirit. We should come to church ready to praise because God is always worthy.
The Foundation and Power of Singing Praise
Personal praise is foundational. Each person must decide to praise God, regardless of external factors. Singing praise to God is also essential. The Bible contains over 300 references to singing, and both the Hebrew and Greek languages use multiple words to describe it. Singing is presented as a secret weapon, a way to enter God’s presence and experience a spiritual breakthrough.
New songs have accompanied every major revival in history. Singing brings freshness and life to worship. The church is encouraged to rediscover the importance of singing, particularly for children. Allowing children to express themselves in worship helps them enjoy church and associate it with joy and newness.
Music and singing have a powerful influence, both for good and for evil. Secular music can lead people astray, while singing to the Lord brings people closer to God. The church must reclaim music and singing as central to worship and spiritual life. We must instill the songs of faith deeply in the hearts of the next generation, so they can carry them throughout life.
Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
Psalms 7:17
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Psalms 9:11
Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
Psalms 18:49
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
2 Samuel 22:50
Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.
Psalms 27:6
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
Psalms 47:6-7
Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.
Psalms 68:4
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.
Psalms 68:32
Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:
Psalms 75:9
But I will declare for ever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
Psalms 92:1
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:
Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
The Outward Expression and Joy of Praise
Giving thanks to the Lord and singing praises to His name is a good and beautiful thing. When we sing, we are not just performing songs—we are offering praises. Our singing should focus on God’s excellency, His name, and His righteousness. This means we act out what we sing; if a song is about bowing, we bow. Praise is always an outward expression, never a silent or internal feeling. The Bible never describes silent praise. Genuine praise must be expressed openly and joyfully.
Throughout scripture, we are encouraged to praise God among the people and the nations. Singing praises is pleasant and beautiful to God. We are called to sing new songs, to use instruments, and to let our praise be fresh and alive. The difference between singing songs and singing praises is that praise is active and expressive. We come together not just to sing, but to worship God because He is worthy. Praise is not about suppression or holding back; it is about letting our gratitude and joy overflow.
Be cautious about singing “basement songs”—songs that focus on sorrow, defeat, or bondage. Instead, we should sing songs that lift us up and bring us into God’s presence. Singing praises has the power to break mentalities of bondage and sadness. No one can remain in a state of despair while truly praising God. Singing praises sets us free and brings us joy. Everyone in the body of Christ needs to understand this power of praise.
Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
The Call to a New Realm of Praise
The call is for the church to move into a new realm of praise—one that is biblical, expressive, and joyful. This includes dancing, rejoicing, and participating fully in worship. The praise leader has a vision for where praise in the congregation can go together, but it requires everyone’s willingness to join in. Genuine praise, according to the Bible, is not what tradition or personal feelings dictate, but what God’s Word describes: open, expressive, and focused on His greatness and goodness.
We praise the Lord according to:
Psalm 48:10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Psalms 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
We should sing about the mighty acts of God.
We don’t only sing songs, we sing praises!
Psalms 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
Psalms 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. Psalms 68:4
Biblical Praise Part 1: How to Sing Praise, Not Sing Songs
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