Praise and worship is a powerful piece in our church. The praise and worship format has become the standard practice in our local churches, and the music of praise and worship is beginning to dominate the Christian and Gospel music charts.  Many churches are bringing their worship service to a new level of excellence. All of this is wonderful and exciting.  But has the true purpose of praise and worship been lost? As Believers, we attend church in order to connect with God in a corporate setting.  (Hebrews 10:25) This meeting together is the perfect opportunity for us to receive direction about matters that affect us both individually and as the Body of Christ.  We are able to grow by further searching the things that we've learned there.  Believe it or not, praise and worship is a vital part of that exchange.

There are times when it is a sacrifice to offer praise to God, quite frankly, because we don't really want to. There are times when we are down or depressed or things aren't going well for us. When we feel this way - we don't really feel like praising the Lord. Yet the Bible is filled with admonition after admonition to give glory and praise and thanks to God. Psalm 106:1 says, "Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."