What do we think of when we see prayer answered? If we're like most, our attention is immediately drawn to the answer of our prayer and giving God the glory is not our first priority. Unfortunately, if we don't see answered prayer, praise is often far from our lips, or secondary at the very best. This verse implies something quite different we need to carefully consider:

"Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me." (Psalm 66:20)

The Psalmist is quick to recognize that his prayers have been heard and God's mercy has been provided. But, knowing all that, his first matter of business is to give praise and glory to God; the emphasis is not on answered prayer, but on giving God the glory due His name.

Praise is first, regardless of the outcome of the prayer. Praise should be continually on our lips, long before we see the answer to our prayers.

Praise should be a way of life. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, said, "...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Phil. 4:11) Paul wasn't concerned about his life's situations and circumstances. He understood the Psalmist's statement in today's verse: "Blessed be God...." He first praised God, the number one priority in his life.

Begin to praise God today for Who He is, for what He has done, and for what He is doing. If He has answered specific prayers for you, be sure to acknowledge it, but praise Him first and foremost.

Don't allow your praise to be conditional, but make it a priority in your life, today and every day.

Father, I praise You. I bless Your Name for Your Name is above every name that is in heaven or on the earth. Your glory can be seen in all Your works; there is none like You in all the earth. Father, I thank you for answered prayer and for your unconditional mercy, but first, and foremost, Lord, I give you praise. Be glorified, Lord, be glorified, amen!

© Jan Ross
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