What is it to praise God?

TL;DR:

Praising God means declaring who He is and celebrating what He has done because He alone is worthy. Praise isn’t limited to songs or settings—it’s a lifelong posture of gratitude and worship in every season of life.

what does the bible say?

The dictionary defines the word "praise" as "to glorify, especially by the attribution of perfections." God is absolutely perfect in every attribution, which means that He is worthy of praise! Praising God involves publicly proclaiming who He is and what He has done. Praise is not optional or occasional for a believer, but rather the calling of every living being. The Psalms reveal that praise belongs in every circumstance—joy, fear, anger, and suffering. Praise can happen anywhere and in many forms because God’s greatness and mighty deeds deserve our full expression. One day, God’s people will praise Him forever, making our praise now a preparation for eternity. As we await that day, praise reshapes our perspective in life, reminding us of who God is and what He has done. It is not just something we do, but a way of life centered on God’s unchanging goodness.

from the old testament

The Bible commands every living creature to praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6). There are three Hebrew words found in the Bible that explain "praise" in nuance. These words are yadah, which means "praise, give thanks, or confess;" zamar, which means "sing praise;" and halal, which means "to praise, honor, or commend." All three terms indicate giving thanks and honor to one who is deserving of acclamations.
The Psalms overflow with David's praises and songs to God. David praises God because God is righteous (Psalm 7:17), powerful (Psalm 21:13), a deliverer (Psalm 18:3), and holy (Psalm 22:3). He proclaims, with elation and repetition, "Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a psalm!" (Psalm 47:6–7).
Psalm 150 is a helpful instructor on where, why, and how to praise. The first verse says, "Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens." You can praise God anywhere. He is always present to hear. The second verse states we praise Him "for his mighty deeds" and "according to his excellent greatness."
Psalm 150:3–6 emphasizes that we should praise the Lord with instruments and dance, and that everything with breath should praise God. We should praise Him with every means we have for expression!
The Psalms also give examples on when to praise. David praises God when he is joyful (Psalm 34:1–3; Psalm 103:1–5), fearful (Psalm 56:3–4), and angry (Psalm 7:1–17). He demonstrates that every situation offers an opportunity to praise God.

from the new testament

Praise is also found in the New Testament. Luke 1:46–55 records Mary's song of praise at hearing that she would give birth to the Messiah.
The Gospels are full of praise as Jesus heals many and saves them from their maladies (Luke 17:18; 19:37).
After witnessing Christ’s miracles and love, crowds praised Jesus as the Son of God and spoke of God’s wondrous power (Matthew 14:33; Luke 19:37).
The early church also gave examples of people praising God in groups. The early church placed an emphasis on worshiping and praising God together (Acts 2:42–47).
Paul's letters even include praise to God, written as if the thankfulness bubbled over from his heart into his letters (1 Timothy 3:14–16; Philippians 1:3–11).
The Bible also speaks of praise as an action of the future when sin is removed from our world. Revelation depicts all of God's people joyfully praising Him, for "no longer will there be anything accursed…" (Revelation 22:3). All of God's people will join in praising the Lord forever. Our time spent on earth choosing to praise God in all situations is said to be preparation for the wonderful things to come.

implications for today

“Praise Him, praise Him, all you little children, God is love, God is love.” This simple children’s song reminds us that praising God is not reserved for a certain age, maturity level, or spiritual stage—it is a calling for all of God’s people. While the words are easy enough for a child to sing, the truth they carry is deep enough to shape a lifetime of faith. As adults, we are called to praise God with the same openness and simplicity, declaring who He is and what He has done without embarrassment or restraint. The song teaches us that praise is learned early, practiced often, and meant to grow with us, not fade as we mature. Praising God should be central to who we are as His people. So, what comes to mind when you think of who God is and what He has done? How do you cultivate a life of praise in your life?

Praise is powerful. It has the power to give perspective to our circumstances and reorient our hearts toward truth when emotions or situations overwhelm us. When we praise God, we are reminded that He is faithful, present, and sovereign, even when life feels uncertain or painful. Praise shifts our focus from what is lacking to who God is and what He has already done, anchoring our hope in His unchanging character. It does not deny hardship, but it declares that God is greater than it. As we choose praise—especially when it feels difficult—we train our hearts to trust Him more deeply. In this way, praise becomes not just a response, but a way of life that keeps us grounded in what is true and good and lasts forever.

understand

Praise declares who God is and what He has done.
Praise is for every believer in every circumstance.
Praise shapes our lives now and prepares us for eternity.

reflect

How does your praise change when life feels joyful compared to when you are fearful, angry, or suffering?
In what ways are you declaring who God is and what He has done?
What practical habits help you cultivate praise as a steady posture, rather than an occasional response?

engage

How do the Psalms shape the way believers understand praising God in every circumstance?
What can the early church’s practice of communal praise teach believers today about individual and communal worship and gratitude?
How does viewing praise as preparation for eternity reshape how believers approach hardship and our response to it?