Let's praise the LORD!

Read Psalm 145.

What does it mean to praise the LORD?

These last six psalms in the book are all songs of praise.  Psalm 145 is alphabetical, meaning that each verse begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet.  However, instead of 22 verses, this song only contains 21.  One of the letters is missing.  No one is quite sure why.

Praising God is not simply a euphoric experience.  Thanksgiving and rejoicing have substantial reasoning underpinning the praises.

1. The investigation of praise. (vv.1-7)
Like a good investigative reporter, David writes the who, what, where, when, why, and how.  This praise is personal, exalting the God of heaven everyday for His wonderful works.  But the praise is not done in private.  The concern moves to the next generation.  Note the word "they" in verses 6 and 7.  The children and beyond them must have their own faith in the LORD and sing His praises.

2. The inspiration of praise. (vv.8-16)
Over and over, David praised God for His character.  The LORD is gracious, merciful, patient, loving and kind.  He praised God for what He had already done in sustaining, encouraging,, and providing.  Notice the pronoun change from talking about God (He) to talking to God (You).

3. The invitation of praise. (vv.17-21)
In verses 18-20, there is a list of five things God does for those who call on Him, who fear Him, and who love Him.  With those qualifiers:
>The LORD is near
>He fulfills desires
>He hears prayers
>He saves
>He preserves
David's commitment was to verbally praise the LORD.  The call is for every person on earth to join him.
Let's praise the LORD!