Prayer Journal
Saturday, July 22, 2000
In Gloria Gaither's book, Because He Lives, she gives the stories behind some of the songs she and Bill, her husband, have written. Bill and Gloria are two of the most prolific gospel composers who have ever lived. In my opinion, their songs are simple, highlighting not rhythm and melody but primarily words which magnify God. If you're life me, their songs weave through your life like a faithful friend.
One day Gloria was reading Psalm 139 and meditating on it's message:
"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede me and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head." Psalm 139: 1-5 (1)
This passage of scripture so impressed Gloria that she translated David's psalm into her own "song" and called it, Praise You(2).
"So, I will praise You! Lord I praise You! Now I will praise You! For bearing me up and giving me wings, For lifting my sights to heavenly things. For being the songs I can't help but sing - Praise You."
It's not unusual to think of the family of God as a family, because that's exactly what we are, if we've been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. But have you ever stopped to think that all the praise for God in the Bible was offered by men and women, who were praising Him "personally". Actually, by reading scripture you're reading their journal. (It could be said, that you're reading someone's else mail - from them, to God). They were not ashamed, nor were they timid in praising God, anywhere, any time.
Have you praised God today with your mouth? All the praise in the world for God that comes from someone else's mouth can't open your lips. Praise has to be born in a person where the words come out through their OWN mouth - "personal" praise.
The next time you attend worship service and you sing with the rest of the congregation, think about what you're doing. You're offering personal praise to your God, in concert with others who are doing the same. Sometimes you need to declare a worship service of ONE, and just stop and praise Him - right where you are!
If you're really excited about this concept, consider writing down your "personal" praise, so your words don't go to the grave with you. Like a congregational hymn of priase that never ends, your words linger behind you, inspiring your children and their children, and their chil..
Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Living Bible, (c)1971 by Tyndale House Publisher; Wheaton Illinois 60187. All Rights Reserved.
(2) "Praise You," lyric by Gloria Gaither, music by William J. Gaither, (c)1980 by Gaither Music Company.
(3) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
