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Day 2: Praise

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." – Psalm 100:4

Praise is the foundation of prayer. When we begin with praise, we turn our hearts toward God and acknowledge His greatness. Praise reminds us of who God is and what He has done, setting the tone for the rest of our conversation with Him. All the sins and requests that will come later in our prayer pale compared to His greatness. All unmanageable situations have their position realigned in the presence of the one for whom nothing is impossible.

Jesus models this in the Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). This opening phrase is more than a greeting; it’s an act of worship. To hallow means to honor as holy. When we praise, we declare God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, love, and power.

Praise should have thankfulness in it, but it isn’t just about thanking God for what He’s done; it’s about recognizing His power, character, majesty, and authority. It’s declaring that He is good, even when life feels hard. Praise proclaims that He is faithful, even as we await His promises.

Why does praise matter? Because it shifts our focus. In a world of distractions, praise pulls our attention away from ourselves and places it squarely on God. It stirs our faith, realigns our priorities, and creates space for God to work.

Today, start your prayer with praise. Speak out loud or write down attributes of God that inspire you; focus on His love, mercy, wisdom, and creativity. Thank Him for His provision, guidance, and unchanging character. As you do, your perspective will shift, and your heart will be filled with awe for the God who hears your prayers.