So often our prayers are full of questions that demand answers or requests that fall on a deadline. Should not all of our prayers first praise the Creator and Sustainer of Life? Today we are going to spend some time simply praying prayers of praise directly from the Bible.
Leader: Ask several members who like to read and who read well to read the following prayers. After they are done, allow for some time for each of your group members to write a prayer of praise on an index card. Tell them not to sign it. Throw the praise prayers in a hat or basket and pass them out randomly. Read the praise prayers out loud.
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.
He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalms 9:1-2; 9:7-10 (NIV)
I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good. For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes. Psalms 54:6-7 (NIV)
I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.
I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
May all the kings of the earth praise you, O LORD, when they hear the words of your mouth.
May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.
Though the LORD is on high, he looks upon the lowly, but the proud he knows from afar.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
The LORD will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalms 138:1-8 (NIV)
O LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 (NIV)
