Holy God, we praise thy Name!
Lord of all, we bow before thee!
All on earth thy scepter claim,
All in heaven above adore thee!
Infinite thy vast domain,
Everlasting is thy reign.
Hark the loud celestial hymn
Angel choirs above are raising;
Cherubim and Seraphim,
In unceasing chorus praising,
Fill the heavens with sweet accord:
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord!
Now be honest, how many sang that song either out loud or in your head as your read the beginning of this reflection?
I love to praise God! This is a great praise song, one of my favorites for sure. But, I honestly have so many go to praise songs.
Nearly 15 years ago, I removed every other song from my library. Now all on my phone and ITunes, my library consists completely of contemporary Christian and praise music. A wide range of styles for sure, from rock Styper, to Amy Grant and Chris Tomlin and Matt Maher, groups like MercyMe and Casting Crowns, a varied mix of praise music. Many great, original songs are coming from Praise Nation now.
This music is nearly always on in the background when I work and in my car except for times focused for silence.
It centers my soul. I am filled with constant scripture by the lyrics. The lyrics often have me searching the Bible for the verses. I can be found with my hand raised in praise as I lift my voice to the Lord.
Just 4 years ago, I took up the guitar to offer praise to God. I can’t sing nor do I have much musical talent but I know God loves when I am offering Him praise through my song – even off key and tempo. I started to learn for the purpose of being a worship leader someday through our Men’s Emmaus retreat. But, I learned quickly that the best I’ll ever be is a backup. The Lord has opened many other men’s hearts to join as guitarists because I stepped up. These men are true musicians and I always love jamming for God with them.
But, whether alone in my room, in front of a bunch of men on retreat or in Mass, I love to praise. I offer my full heart and soul through this worship. St. Augustine said, “singing is praying twice”. And it is so true.
When a soul sings praise to God, it is lifted to a higher level along with its voice.
“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets”. The daughter of Saul was embarrassed and got angry at David for this display but he answered firmly, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel—I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” 2 Samuel 6:14-15, 21-22
Don’t let anyone dissuade you from bringing this praise with all your heart and in full voice. God smiles with your song. Yes, even if dogs howl at your voice. If you are dancing for the Lord, dance like a fool. If you are singing for the Lord, let it ring out to all the ends of the earth.
Praise Nation is “Coming Home” to St. Albert the Great in pittsburgh on Saturday October 17th following 4PM Mass. Event will be in the parking lot, weather permitting. Come celebrate with the Praise Nation. We are working to arrange a food truck for dinner. The Praise Nation band will be leading with some great worship music and premiering a new song called ‘The Master’ and a new video. There is always prayer available afterwards.
We will be there, I’ll have my hands high in praise. Come Praise His Holy Name!! Maybe stop by and say hi too.