Toward More Glorious Praise

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© 2010 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, storedin a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—elec-tronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or any other—withoutprior permission of the publisher, except for brief quotation in criticalreviews or articles.

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Thomas Nelson, Inc., titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, busi-ness, fundraising, or sales promotional use. For information, please [email protected].

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New KingJames Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Hayford, Jack W.

Toward More Glorious Praise

ISBN-13: 978-1-4185-4123-1ISBN-10: 1-4185-4123-0

Printed in the United States of America10 11 12 13 14 — 6 5 4 3 2 1

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OTA B L E O F CO N T E N T S

PREFACEWhat Is Worship? ……………………………………………… v

KEYS OF THE KINGDOM ……………………………………… vi

INTRODUCTIONToward More Glorious Praise ………………………………… ix

SESSION ONEThe Call to Worship …………………………………………… 1

SESSION TWOA Responsive Heart …………………………………………… 11

SESSION THREEThe Command to Worship …………………………………… 24

SESSION FOURA Faithful Response …………………………………………… 34

SESSION FIVEPrepare to Worship …………………………………………… 44

SESSION SIXA Psalm of Praise ……………………………………………… 55

SESSION SEVENBuild Strength ………………………………………………… 63

SESSION EIGHTGod Is Sovereign ……………………………………………… 72

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SESSION NINEContemplative Worship ……………………………………… 82

SESSION TENThe Healing Power of Worship ……………………………… 90

SESSION ELEVENWorship Through Trial ………………………………………… 100

SESSION TWELVELifelong Worshippers ………………………………………… 107

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OP R E FA C E

What Is Worship?

ALMIGHTY GOD transcends any religious enterprise of man. Hecannot be captured or contained inside a building or religious

methodology. However, Scripture tells us that God’s presence willdwell richly wherever worthy worship is raised to His glory. We neednot erect splendid structures in order to experience the presence ofAlmighty God, for our worship provides His dwelling place.

Of what is the worship in which God dwells constructed? It isbuilt of unrestrained, unreserved commitment and affection towardGod. It is the temple created in a life wherein God’s will is paramountand His Word is absolute authority. When your heart is fully committedto God—when He is the core of your life and affection—true worshipwill be expressed in all you do. The cost is all you have and are.

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OKeys of the Kingdom

KEYS CAN BE SYMBOLS of possession, of the right and ability to acquire,clarify, open, or ignite. Keys can be concepts that unleash mind-

boggling possibilities. Keys clear the way to a possibility otherwise ob-structed!

Jesus spoke of keys: ‘‘And I will give you the keys of the kingdom ofheaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, andwhatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven’’ (Matthew 16:19).

While Jesus did not define the ‘‘keys’’ He has given, it is clear thatHe did confer upon His church specific tools that grant us access to arealm of spiritual ‘‘partnership’’ with Him. The ‘‘keys’’ are concepts orbiblical themes, traceable throughout Scripture, that are verifiably dy-namic when applied with solid faith under the lordship of Jesus Christ.The ‘‘partnership’’ is the essential feature of this enabling grace, allowingbelievers to receive Christ’s promise of ‘‘kingdom keys,’’ and to be assuredof the Holy Spirit’s readiness to actuate their power in the life of thebeliever.

Faithful students of the Word of God and some of today’s mostrespected Christian leaders have noted some of the primary themes thatundergird this spiritual partnership. A concise presentation of many ofthese primary themes can be found in the Kingdom Dynamics feature ofthe New Spirit-Filled Life Bible. The Spirit-Filled Life Study Guide series,an outgrowth of this Kingdom Dynamics feature, provides a treasuryof more in-depth insights on these central truths. This study seriesoffers challenges and insights designed to enable you to more readilyunderstand and appropriate certain dynamic KINGDOM KEYS.

Each study guide has twelve to fourteen lessons, and a numberof helpful features have been developed to assist you in your study,each marked by a symbol and heading for easy identification.

Kingdom Key

KINGDOM KEY identifies the foundational Scripture passage foreach study session and highlights a basic concept or principle presentedin the text along with cross-referenced passages.

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Keys of the Kingdom vii

Kingdom Life

The KINGDOM LIFE feature is designed to give practical under-standing and insight. This feature will assist you in comprehendingthe truths contained in Scripture and applying them to your day-to-dayneeds, hurts, relationships, concerns, or circumstances.

Word Wealth

The WORD WEALTH feature provides important definitions of keyterms.

Behind the Scenes

BEHIND THE SCENES supplies information about cultural beliefsand practices, doctrinal disputes, and various types of backgroundinformation that will illuminate Bible passages and teachings.

Kingdom Extra

The optional KINGDOM EXTRA feature will guide you to Bibledictionaries, Bible encyclopedias, and other resources that will enableyou to gain further insight into a given topic.

Probing the Depths

Finally, PROBING THE DEPTHS will present any controversial issuesraised by particular lessons and cite Bible passages and other sourcesthat will assist you in arriving at your own conclusions.

Each volume of the Spirit-Filled Life Study Guide series is a com-prehensive resource presenting study and life-application questionsand exercises with spaces provided for recording your answers. Thesestudy guides are designed to provide all you need to gain a good, basic

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understanding of the covered theme and apply biblical counsel to yourlife. You will need only a heart and mind open to the Holy Spirit, aprayerful attitude, a pencil and a Bible to complete the studies andapply the truths they contain. However, you may want to have anotebook handy if you plan to expand your study to include theoptional KINGDOM EXTRA feature.

The Bible study method used in this series employs four basic steps:

1. Observation. What does the text say?2. Interpretation. What is the original meaning of the text?3. Correlation. What light can be shed on this text by other Scrip-

ture passages?4. Application. How should my life change in response to the Holy

Spirit’s teaching of this text?

The New King James Version is the translation used whereverScripture portions are cited in the Spirit-Filled Life Study Guide series.Using this translation with this series will make your study easier, butit is certainly not imperative and you will profit through use of anytranslation you choose.

Through Bible study, you will grow in your essential understand-ing of the Lord, His kingdom and your place in it; but you need more.Jesus was sent to teach us ‘‘all things’’ (John 14:25–26). Rely on theHoly Spirit to guide your study and your application of the Bible’struths. Bathe your study time in prayer as you use this series to learnof Him and His plan for your life. Ask the Spirit of God to illuminatethe text, enlighten your mind, humble your will, and comfort yourheart. And as you explore the Word of God and find the keys to unlockits riches, may the Holy Spirit fill every fiber of your being with thejoy and power God longs to give all His children. Read diligently on.Stay open and submissive to Him. Learn to live your life as the Creatorintended. You will not be disappointed. He promises you!

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OI N T R O D U C T I O N

Toward MoreGlorious Praise

IN PREPARATION for this study, let us discover the true meaning ofworship and praise. How are they different? How are they similar?

Why does Scripture make it clear that praise and worship should be acentral, vibrant part of the life of any believer?

Begin by reading 1 Kings, chapters 6—8. This is the account of thebuilding of Solomon’s temple. The construction and dedication of thistemple may well be one of the ultimate expressions of worship in all Scrip-ture. No expense was spared in materials or effort in workmanship.Solomon’s temple was truly a matchless work of art. It is estimated that,in today’s standards, the temple Solomon built would cost in excess offour trillion dollars! Solomon was obviously awestruck by his God.

It will also be of great value as you prepare for this study to readcertain of the psalms that are considered by most to be predominantlyexpressions of worship or praise. This list includes: Psalms 8; 9; 11; 18;22:1–21; 27:1–6; 29; 30; 31; 33; 34; 40:1–10; 46; 47; 48; 65; 66; 67; 68; 75;76; 81; 84; 89:1–18; 92; 93; 95; 96; 97; 98; 99; 100; 101; 103; 104; 105;106:1–5; 107; 111; 112; 113; 116; 117; 118; 134; 135; 136; 138; 144:1–4; 145;146; 147; 148; 149; 150.

The Hebrew title of the book of Psalms is Sepher Tehillim, whichmeans ‘‘Book of Praises.’’ There is no better way to begin to understandthe heart of praise than through the words of those whose praises haveechoed through the centuries.

Questions:

What aspects of praise and/or worship did you encounter for thefirst time as you read these psalms?�

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In what way has this reading impacted your understanding ofpraise and worship?�

How can you begin to develop praise and worship in your ownlife?�

Understanding WorshipThe definition of worship is to give reverence, extravagant respect,

or admiration. It is the recognition of transcendent excellence in another.There is only One deserving of our worship: almighty God, our

Creator and heavenly Father. God alone should be the object of ourworship. He is the only Creator and our only Redeemer—the one trueGod. His fingerprint is upon all creation and is indelibly present uponeach of us. He is above all, and in Him all things exist and have theirbeing (Colossians 1:17).

Worship is far more than an act; true worship must find expres-sion. True worship is foundational to life. It is at once an attitude, aresponse, an action, and a reaction. More than even a lifestyle, worshipis an all-encompassing worldview.

Word Wealth—Worship

Worship: Hebrew shachah (shah-chah′); Strong’s #7812: To bow, to stoop; tobow down before someone as an act of submission or reverence; to worship; to fallor bow down when paying homage to God. The primary meaning is ‘‘to makeoneself low.’’ In Psalm 99:5, shachah is used in contrast to exaltation: exalt the Lord(lift Him up high) and worship (bow yourselves down low before Him) at the placeof His feet.

Worship: Greek proskuneo (pros-koo-neh′-o); Strong’s #4352: From pros,‘‘toward,’’ and kuneo, ‘‘to kiss.’’ To prostrate oneself, bow down, do obeisance, show

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Introduction xi

reverence, do homage, worship, adore. In the New Testament, the word especiallydenotes homage rendered to God and the ascended Christ. All believers have asingle-focus worship of the only Lord and Savior. We do not worship angels, saints,shrines, relics, or religious personages.

Understanding PraisePraise is an acknowledgment wherein the virtues or deeds of

another are recognized and extolled. Praise is revealed as the meansby which God’s rule and presence may be invited into the midst ofany group or private situation or circumstance. The Lord is ‘‘enthronedin the praises of Israel’’ (Psalm 22:3).

The praise of man toward God is the means by which we expressour joy to the Lord. We are to praise God both for who He is and forwhat He does (Psalm 150:2). Praising God for His attributes (who He is)is called adoration; praising Him for what He does is known as thanks-giving. Praise of God may be in song, prayer, dance, or any act givenover to God in recognition of His glory. It may be offered individuallyor collectively, may be spontaneous or prearranged. Praise of God maybe the expression of the emotional response of a loving heart, or it mayoriginate from the determination to praise regardless of circumstanceor feeling—the setting of one’s will to praise our worthy God.

Word Wealth—Praise

Praise: Hebrew halal (hah-lahl′); Strong’s #1984: To praise, to thank; rejoice,boast about someone. Halal is the root from which ‘‘hallelujah’’ is formed. The phrase‘‘hallelujah’’ is a command: hallelu-Jah (all of you must praise God). Halal usuallyconveys the idea of speaking or singing about the glories, virtues, or honor ofsomeone or something (1 Chronicles 23:30).

Praise: Hebrew shabach (shah-vahch′); Strong’s #7623: To commend, praise;to adore; to glory in something; to still, quiet, or pacify someone. Shabach goes intwo directions, ‘‘praising’’ and ‘‘calming.’’ The verb occurs eleven times in the OldTestament, eight of these having to do with speaking words of praise. The otherthree references speak either about calming the tumultuous sea (Psalms 65:7; 89:9)or about hushing up things within one’s heart (Proverbs 29:11). There appears tobe a connection between ‘‘praising with words’’ and ‘‘soothing with words,’’ as anyaggrieved individual offered words of honor can testify.

Praise: Hebrew tehillah (te-hil-lah′, or in the plural, te-hil-lim′); Strong’s #8416:A celebration, a lauding of someone praiseworthy; the praise or exaltation of God;

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praises, songs of admiration. The noun tehillah comes from the verb halal, whichmeans ‘‘to praise, celebrate, and laud.’’ As we learned earlier, the Hebrew title of thebook of Psalms is Tehillim (Book of Praises). The book of Psalms was actually thesongbook for worship events in the temple in Jerusalem. Suitable for prayer orrecitation but specially designed for singing, the book of Psalms provides the meansfor eager hearts to express their praises to God.

Praise: Greek epainos (ep′-ahee-noss); Strong’s #1868: Approbation, com-mendation, approval, praise. Epainos expresses not only praise for what God doesfor us, but also for who He is, recognizing His glory.

Prepare to Enter InMan was created to live and breathe in an atmosphere of praise-

filled worship to his Creator. The avenue of sustained inflow of divinepower was to be kept by the sustained outflow of joyous and humblepraise to his Maker. The severance of the bond of blessing throughobedience that sin brought silenced man’s praise-filled fellowship withGod and introduced self-centeredness, self-pitying, and complaint(Genesis 3:9–12). But now salvation and life are available in Christ.Now upon receiving Jesus Christ as Savior, we are called in our dailylives to prayer and the Word for fellowship and wisdom in living. Ourdaily approach to God in that communion is to be paved with praise:‘‘Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts withpraise’’ (Psalm 100:4). Such a walk of praise-filled openness to Himwill cultivate deep devotion, faithful obedience, and constant joy. Theintention of this study is to show believers how praise can bringsteadfastness in godly living while teaching a walk of praise that isneither fanatical, glib, nor reduced to mere ritual, but one of life-delivering power available to each believer.

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OS E S S I O N T H R E E

The Commandto Worship

Kingdom Key—Pursue a Lifestyle of Worship

Psalm 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD

in the beauty of holiness.

Worship is central to our faith in Christ. The implications for thetrue disciple are all-encompassing, for worship is more than an eventon Sunday morning; it becomes a lifestyle. True worship will spill overinto the week—informing choices, determining perspectives, offeringa cup of cold water, loving the unlovely, practicing fidelity, and a clusterof other wholesome actions and attitudes. These attributes may, in fact,run counter to our culture. The Christian who pursues the worship ofa holy God will pursue a holy lifestyle as a natural by-product.

Two words we rarely see linked together are worship and discipline.Yet to embrace the essence of the biblical standard in its clearest form,one must practice discipline in the pursuit of worshipping God. OurGod is holy; but we, as human beings, are naturally fallible and noneare without sin. Therefore, we wisely and regularly seek forgivenessin order to commune with God. This is a discipline. As we mature,overt sin falls away, but we need to develop a sensitivity to anythingthat will inhibit our ability to commune with God. We must take regularinventory of the inner man to deter anything that interferes with ourworship experience.

Read Psalms 86:9–12; 95:6–8; Romans 6.

Questions:What are examples of potential problems we need vigilantly to

monitor, in pursuit of a biblical, worship-based lifestyle?�


The Command to Worship 25

What hindrances to worship are present in your life?�

What steps can you take to begin to walk in greater holiness beforethe Lord?�

Kingdom Life—Become a Worshipper

Worship is an event and a process. In the worship event, we gather to honorand revere Christ through certain patterns and traditions. The focus and goal of trueworship is Jesus Christ. It is the heart’s desire that reaches beyond circumstance intothe spiritual realm for the sole purpose of recognizing, extolling, proclaiming, andcelebrating the lordship of our Savior and our God. That is the worship event.

Then, beyond the event, there is the worship process. Simply stated,this refers to our discipleship—the maturation sequence in which wemove from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. With each wor-ship event, we are brought farther along the road to maturity. Worshipshould become more a state of being than an isolated event. God isseeking worshippers, not just worship. And a worshipper does not simplyvisit God on Sunday but lives in His presence.

We are commanded in Scripture to become worshippers. There isno optional clause available in which the command may be modified.Simply follow the instructions. Those are our marching orders as Spirit-filled believers.

Read 2 Kings 17:24–39; Psalms 29:1–2; 113:3.

Questions:What is the Lord’s charge in 2 Kings 17:24–39?

�

What specific directives are given and what reward is promisedin Psalm 29:1–2?�


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Psalm 113:3 encapsulates worship, both as an event and as aprocess. Explain this verse in your own words.

�

What do you understand the commands in Psalm 29:1–2 to mean?

�

What are ways you can give glory to the Lord as a worshipper?As a witness? As a servant?

�

Is continual praise a vital part of your life? What hinders you fromembracing this lifestyle?

�

Word Wealth—Holy/Holiness

Holy: Hebrew qadosh (kah-dosh′); Strong’s #6918: Set apart, dedicated tosacred purposes; holy, sacred, clean, morally or ceremonially pure. The verb qadashmeans ‘‘to set apart something or someone for holy purposes.’’ Holiness is separationfrom everything profane and defiling; and at the same time, it is dedication toeverything holy and pure. People or even objects, such as anointing oil or vessels,may be considered holy to the Lord (Exodus 30:25; Jeremiah 2:3; Zechariah 14:20–21). Leviticus stresses ‘‘holy’’ and ‘‘holiness’’ most thoroughly. Leviticus 10:10 showsthat God desired priests be able to distinguish ‘‘holy’’ and ‘‘unholy’’ and teach Israelto do likewise. God is entirely holy in His nature, motives, thoughts, words, anddeeds so that He is called Qadosh, ‘‘the Holy One,’’ or Qedosh Yisrael, ‘‘the HolyOne of Israel.’’

Holiness: Greek hagiosune (hag-ee-ah-soo′-nay): Strong’s #42: The process,quality, and condition of a holy disposition and the quality of holiness in personalconduct (1 Thessalonians 3:13). It is the principle that separates the believer from theworld. Hagiosune consecrates us to God’s service both in soul and in body, findingfulfillment in moral dedication and a life commitment to purity. It causes every com-ponent of our character to withstand God’s inspection and meet with His approval.



Kingdom Extra

God wants us not only to see the beauty that is inherent in His character andcompleteness, but to allow Him to pour the same into us through our worship. Hisholiness is ready to be infused into the humble worshipper who comes openly to Him.

Read Psalms 95:1–7; 30:4; 33:1–3; 98:1; 147:1–7.

Questions:

Note and list some of the distinctive traits of each call to sing.�

What attitudes should you cultivate as you come before God in song?�

What element is contained in the command to sing that is notinherent in other forms of praise?�

Is this a part of your private worship life? Why, or why not?�

Kingdom Life—The Act of Worship

If one searches out the meaning of certain Old Testament terms of praise andworship, it becomes quite apparent that true worship is active.

One of these words is todah. This word is derived from the verbyadah, which means ‘‘to give thanks’’ or ‘‘to praise.’’ The root of yadahis yad (hand); thus, ‘‘to thank or praise God by the act of lifting or extend-ing one’s hands’’ in thanks to Him. Todah appears more than thirtytimes in the Old Testament, a dozen of these in the book of Psalms(50:23; 100:4). Todah is translated ‘‘sacrifice of praise’’ in Jeremiah 33:11.



In the Introduction section of this study guide, you were intro-duced to other words of praise and worship. Review these words andtheir meanings. You will notice how many times an action is inferred.

Worship is attitudinal. Worship is also physical. There are appro-priate times to sing, bow, kneel, stand, clap, shout, or simply celebrate.As someone has said, ‘‘There are times for ‘high church’ (ceremony)and times to ‘have church’ (celebration)!’’

Read Psalms 95:6–8; 99:1–5; 100:1–5.

Questions:

What attitudes should accompany sincere worship and praise?�

What actions express sincere worship and praise?�

Are these actions of worship more verbal or physical?�

What is your reaction to this realization?�

Does this Scripture portion describe your experience of worship?Why or why not?�

How can you keep a spirit of worship fresh and relevant?�



Word Wealth—Bless

Bless: Hebrew barach (bah-rahch′); Strong’s #1288: To bless; to salute, congrat-ulate, thank, praise; to kneel down. Barach is the root word from which baruch(‘‘blessed one’’) and barachah (‘‘blessing’’) are derived. Berech, ‘‘knee,’’ is probablythe source of those words. In Old Testament times, one knelt when preparing tospeak or receive words of blessing, whether to God in heaven or to the king on histhrone. God is the Blesser, the One who gives the capacity for living a full, rich life.The first action of God the Creator to the newly created man and woman was tobless them (Genesis 1:28). The Aaronic Benediction (Numbers 6:22–27) epitomizesGod’s promise of blessing to His people. In Jewish worship God is frequently calledbaruch hu, Qodesh-ha, or literally, ‘‘the Holy One, blessed is He!’’

Kingdom Life—Offer Authentic Worship

Anyone who follows the biblical commands to worship will soon display discern-ible, biblical characteristics in worship. These characteristics include:

Worship God AloneRead Exodus 20:3–5.

Questions:Is there anything or anyone in your life who commands more of

your loyalty, time, or attention than does God?�

What steps can you take to truly worship only God?�

Love God with All Your HeartRead Deuteronomy 6:4–9.

Questions:What are the implications on your life of each facet of this passage?

�



What changes would pure and total love for God make in yourwalk of faith?�

Depend on the Holy SpiritRead Philippians 3:3; John 4:24.

Questions:What does it mean to worship God in the Spirit?

�

In what ways are you becoming increasingly sensitive to the Spiritin your life as a worshipper?�

In what ways do you find you have to resist your flesh in yourefforts to worship God in the Spirit?�

Focus on Glorious PraiseRead Psalm 66:1–4.

Questions:Have you ever literally shouted out praises to God? What were the

circumstances? How did you feel?�

Check a dictionary to be sure you understand the meaning of theword glory. How many synonyms can you discover for glory or glorious?List them.�



How can you make your praises glorious to God?�

Balance Seriousness and EnthusiasmRead 1 Chronicles 13:6–12.

Questions:

What was the manner of those who transported the ark?�

What was David’s attitude and manner?�

Are you more inclined to be one who worships with all his mightor one who watches and seeks to steady the ark?�

Avoid SinRead Jeremiah 7:8–16; Micah 6:8.

Questions:

What are seven things that will hinder the hand of God?�

What are three things the Lord requires of you?�

Now compare the two lists above and see what you notice. Bespecific and practical in thinking through their meaning to your experi-ence. What observations would you make?�



Can we sincerely worship God and be committed to practicing ortolerating sin in our lives at the same time? Why?�

Concentrate on Unity and OrderRead 1 Corinthians 14:26, 33, 40.

Questions:What aspects of ministry are listed from a typical Christian wor-

ship service in Corinth?�

What aspects of this ministry are familiar and comfortable for you?Which are unfamiliar and uncomfortable?�

Kingdom Extra

Self-control, mutual respect, and attention to organizational detail liberate a churchservice to realize ministry and fulfill spiritual objectives. Let’s shift paradigms for a moment.When fans remain in their seats and off the field, a baseball game can transpire effectively.When drivers obey the traffic laws, accidents can be avoided and safety on the roadsincreased. When the audience holds applause until the end of a symphony, listenerscan appreciate the contrasts of each movement. There is profound merit in conduct-ing any public gathering decently and in order. Laws and mores set up limits. Limitsliberate participants from danger, so they may focus productively on the task at hand.

However, just as the seriousness of transporting the ark of thecovenant is juxtaposed by David’s uninhibited, all-consuming praise,so should be the experience of today’s worshipper. We should experi-ence and enjoy the vivid contrasts of worship—the receiving of theelements of communion and a heartfelt, passionate gospel song follow-ing, or the reading of a Scripture with subsequent fiery preaching.Believers throughout the centuries have managed a balance betweenthe serious and the enthusiastic, between intimacy and theater. But allshould be done in decency and order, for chaos is not of God.



Record Your ThoughtsAs you have worked your way through this study thus far, what

you have done is to learn the steps necessary to build an altar of worship.As the patriarchs of the Old Testament frequently built an altar in orderto worship the Lord and remember His faithfulness, see how we arepreparing to do the same—to figuratively construct an altar.

First, in biblical times, an appropriate spot would be chosen andthe brush and debris would be cleared away. Likewise, as we preparefor effective worship, we first must clear away any hindrances to worship.

Second, the prophets would lay the stones in a logical sequencein order to construct the altar. This signifies our bringing definition toworship. Recall and discuss how we have done that.

• Worship is an event and a process.• The focus of worship is Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resur-

rection.• The goal of worship is to become totally centered on the Lord.• The worship process refers to daily discipleship.• We must develop a worship lifestyle (that is, worshipping through-

out the week) rather than existing as weekend worshippers.

Third, in the Old Testament, worshippers would find an animalthat was perfect in every way. Because the Old Testament code wasvery specific, they would prepare the sacrifice exactly according toregulation. In analogy this could refer to our obeying the scripturalcommands regarding worship. Worship of a holy God must be accom-plished according to biblical mandates. (Again, review the Scriptureswe’ve studied in our call to worship.)

Finally, a sacrifice was offered. And so today we offer the sacrificeof praise, which has certain identifiable characteristics. These together‘‘build an altar’’:

• The worship of God alone• The love of God with one’s heart• A dependency on the Holy Spirit• A focus on glorious praise• A balance between seriousness and enthusiasm• An avoidance of sin• A concentration on unity and order

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Toward More Glorious Praise

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