First Things First

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 KJV)

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

Praise must be 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, then acknowledged God for answered prayer and mercies shown.

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 on how you feel or whether God has answered prayer, but make heart-felt, genuine praise to the King of kings and Lord of lords 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, thank you for hearing my prayer and for unconditional mercy, but most of all, Lord, I give you praise for who You are. Amen!