people of praise
"...a people God has made His own, to praise His glory." —Ephesians 1:14
The world never mentions that people are praising God. By this silence, we might conclude that people don't praise God. However, the reality is that there's a non-stop symphony of praise taking place on earth. Consecrated religious and devout lay people across the globe praise God at least twice daily in the Liturgy of the Hours. Right now, many are praying the Divine Praises in Benediction, Eucharistic Adoration, or private prayer. Many others are praising God in song or with the charismatic gift of tongues. Babies and young children are offering God praise (Mt 21:16; Ps 8:3). Best of all, Holy Masses are offered non-stop throughout the world in praise of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We are "predestined to praise" the glory of God (Eph 1:12). God has made us "His own, to praise His glory" (Eph 1:14). Our praises are a foretaste of heaven, when we will be caught up in worship of the Triune God, praising Him "without pause" (Rv 4:8).
Since God has made us a people of praise, let us live out our vocation of praise. "It is fitting to praise Him" (Ps 147:1). "Chant His praises" (Ps 33:2). "Sing praise to His name" (Ps 135:3). Praise God in the morning and in the evening (Ps 92:2-3). Praise the Lord all your life (Ps 145:2). "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia" (Ps 150:6).
Prayer: Holy Spirit, pour out Your love in the hearts of all believers (Rm 5:5). May "the high praises of God be in their throats" (Ps 149:6). "Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim Your praise" (Ps 51:17).
Promise: "Even the hairs of your head are counted! Fear nothing, then. You are worth more than a flock of sparrows." —Lk 12:7
Praise: St. Ignatius was a bishop of Antioch for forty years before his prayers for martyrdom were answered.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 1, 2008
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