I came to Praise

 I Came to Praise

A Reflection on Psalm 150:1-6, Hebrews 13:15, and Psalm 34:1

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)

I came to praise—not out of duty or routine,

But from the overflow of a heart that has seen

Your goodness, Your mercy, Your unfailing grace,

Your love that has met me in every place.

I came to praise—not with eloquent words,

But with a life that testifies to what I have heard.

I came to lift my hands, to raise my voice,

To make a joyful noise, to rejoice.

I came to praise—in the morning when the sun is bright,

And in the evening when the day turns to night.

In the valley when the shadows are deep,

And on the mountain when the promises I keep.

I came to praise—not for what I can get,

But for who You are, the One I cannot forget.

You are worthy of all praise, all honor, all glory,

You are the Author and Finisher of my story.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. (Hebrews 13:15)

I came to praise—with my whole being,

With my heart, my soul, my strength, my seeing.

I praise You for Your power, Your majesty, Your might,

I praise You for Your love that shines so bright.

I came to praise—not alone, but with the throng,

The saints of old, the young, the strong.

The angels, the elders, the creatures of heaven,

All join in the song that is forever given.

I came to praise—and I will not stop,

Until I reach the mountaintop.

I will praise You in the storm, I will praise You in the calm,

I will praise You with every breath, with every psalm.

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)

So I came to praise—and I will stay,

To lift Your name throughout the day.

You are worthy, O Lord, of all my praise,

And I will praise You for all of my days.

I came to praise.

Amen.