Praise is the heartbeat of worship. It’s how we respond to the greatness, goodness, and glory of God. In moments of joy and in seasons of struggle, lifting our voices—or even our hearts—in praise realigns us with truth: God is worthy. Whether you're looking to deepen your devotion, prepare for worship, or simply fill your soul with hope, turning to Bible verses of praise provides a powerful way to encounter God through His Word.
Scripture overflows with calls to praise the Lord—through singing, thanksgiving, proclamation, and joyful celebration. From ancient hymns in the Psalms to the praise-filled letters of the New Testament, these verses teach us how and why we praise.
This carefully curated list of uplifting scriptures is designed to guide your heart into deeper worship and adoration. Whether for personal meditation or public worship, these Bible verses of praise will help you glorify God with faith, gratitude, and joy.
Why Lifting Your Voice with Praise Matters
Praise isn't optional in the life of faith—it's essential. When the psalmist writes that God is "enthroned on the praises" of His people, he reveals something profound about worship's power. Your praise doesn't just express devotion; it creates a dwelling place for God's presence.
Why does this matter? Because praise reorients our hearts. When we lift our eyes from our circumstances to declare God's worthiness, something shifts within us. The Bible shows us that praise isn't just about words spoken upward—it's about truth working inward.
Think about it: praise reminds us who God is when we're tempted to forget. It anchors our souls when life's storms rage. It declares victory before the battle ends. The Bible verses of praise scattered throughout Scripture weren't preserved by accident—they're lifelines God knew we would need.
Even more, praise is warfare. When Paul and Silas sang hymns in their prison cell, chains broke. When Jehoshaphat sent worshippers ahead of his army, enemies scattered. Your praise doesn't just honor God—it pushes back darkness.
Let these Bible verses of praise become more than references—let them become your refuge, your response, and your resistance against everything that tries to silence your worship.
Foundational Bible Verses of Praise from the Old Testament
The Old Testament brims with calls to praise—honest, raw expressions from people who encountered God in desert wanderings, royal courts, and everything between. These aren't polished religious phrases but soul-cries from those who discovered God's faithfulness firsthand.
Long before worship teams and hymnals, these words shaped how God's people understood both who He is and how to respond to Him. They established patterns of praise that would echo through generations. The following Bible verses of praise from the Old Testament reveal the deep roots of worship that still nourish our faith today.
Old Testament Bible Verses of Praise
Exodus 15:2
"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him."
This verse erupts from Moses and the Israelites immediately after crossing the Red Sea. Their praise wasn't theoretical—it was born from watching God defeat their enemies and secure their freedom. Sometimes our deepest praise flows not from comfortable sanctuaries but from the shores of impossible deliverance.
1 Chronicles 16:25
"For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods."
David proclaimed these words when bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. In a world of competing loyalties and lesser gods, this verse boldly declares Yahweh's incomparable worth. Our praise isn't just preference—it's alignment with reality.
1 Chronicles 16:34
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
This refrain appears repeatedly throughout Scripture. Notice how praise and thanksgiving intertwine here—we praise God not just for what He does but for who He is. His goodness and love aren't seasonal or conditional; they're eternal constants worthy of perpetual acknowledgment.
1 Chronicles 29:13
"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name."
David prayed these words near life's end, after collecting offerings for the temple his son would build. Even as his own story was concluding, David recognized that God's story—and the praise due His name—would continue through generations he would never see.
Nehemiah 9:5
"Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise."
After rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, God's people gathered to hear Scripture read. Their response? Standing praise. Sometimes worship demands our whole posture, not just our words. This verse reminds us that even our highest praise falls short of what God deserves.
Isaiah 12:4
"In that day you will say: 'Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.'"
Isaiah looks forward to a day when praise overflows beyond personal devotion to public declaration. True praise can't be contained—it naturally spreads, inviting others to recognize what we've discovered about God's character and actions.
Isaiah 25:1
"LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago."
This verse reveals praise as recognition of God's perfect faithfulness and sovereign planning. We praise Him not just for what He does in the moment, but for His eternal perspective that weaves even our struggles into His wonderful purposes.
Daniel 2:23
"I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king."
Daniel's praise comes in response to answered prayer—specific, timely, and life-saving. This verse reminds us that praise isn't always corporate and scheduled; sometimes it's the spontaneous response to God's intervention in our desperate moments.
Psalms of Praise: The Heartbeat of Worship in Scripture
If praise had a home address in Scripture, it would be the book of Psalms. This collection of 150 songs and prayers contains every possible human emotion—from rage to despair to ecstatic joy—yet praise remains its dominant theme. What makes the Psalms so enduring is their unflinching honesty coupled with unwavering worship.
These weren't written in ivory towers by those untouched by life's hardships. David penned psalms while running for his life. Asaph wrote while wrestling with injustice. The psalmists knew suffering intimately—yet they found words to praise God anyway.
The following Bible verses of praise from Psalms give us language when our own words fail. They remind us that praise isn't the absence of pain but the presence of perspective. They've carried believers through centuries because they speak to something timeless in the human spirit that recognizes God deserves worship even when—especially when—life doesn't make sense.
Book of Psalms Bible Verses of Praise
Psalm 7:17
"I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High."
Here praise flows from recognizing God's righteousness—His perfect moral character. In a world where leaders disappoint and heroes fall, praising God for His unchanging righteousness grounds us in what's eternally true.
Psalm 9:1
"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds."
Notice the wholehearted nature of this praise—not halfhearted religious obligation but full-soul engagement. The psalmist doesn't just feel thankful; he actively tells others about God's works, showing how true gratitude naturally overflows into testimony.
Psalm 18:3
"I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies."
David links praise with rescue, reminding us that acknowledging God's worthiness often precedes His intervention in our lives. Praise isn't just response to deliverance; sometimes it's the pathway to it.
Psalm 22:3
"Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises."
This profound verse reveals God as enthroned upon—or inhabiting—His people's praises. Our worship doesn't just honor God; it creates a space for His manifest presence. This mystery elevates praise from religious exercise to divine encounter.
Psalm 28:7
"The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."
The progression here is beautiful—strength leads to trust, trust leads to help, help leads to joy, and joy leads to praise. Sometimes we need to trace that same path when praise doesn't come easily.
Psalm 30:12
"That my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever."
After experiencing God's deliverance from grave circumstances, the psalmist commits to lifelong praise. This isn't just gratitude for a moment but a permanent reorientation of his life's purpose—to ensure God receives the glory He deserves.
Psalm 34:1
"I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips."
The phrase "at all times" carries weight—in success and failure, in abundance and lack, in health and sickness. This verse calls us to a praise that transcends circumstances rather than depending on them.
Psalm 35:18
"I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you."
This verse highlights the corporate dimension of praise. While private worship matters, something powerful happens when believers unite their voices. Public praise declares God's worth to a watching world and strengthens the faith community.
Psalm 40:3
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him."
After being pulled from "the slimy pit," David receives a new song—suggesting that fresh encounters with God produce fresh expressions of praise. Note the evangelistic impact: our authentic praise becomes a witness that draws others to God.
Psalm 47:1
"Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy."
This verse expands worship beyond words to include physical expression and uninhibited celebration. True praise engages our whole being—mind, emotions, and body—in response to God's greatness.
Psalm 57:9
"I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples."
Written while David hid in caves from Saul, this commitment to international praise reveals worship's missional dimension. Our praise declares God's glory across cultural boundaries, participating in His heart for all peoples.
Psalm 63:3
"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you."
Written in the desert of Judah, possibly while fleeing Absalom, David declares God's love more valuable than life itself. This isn't poetic exaggeration—it's the hard-won conviction of someone who found God's steadfast love more essential than breath. When we praise from this place, worship becomes not obligation but oxygen.
Psalm 66:2
"Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious."
Notice the call to excellence here—not just praise, but glorious praise. This verse challenges us to bring our best, most thoughtful worship rather than thoughtless routine. God's glory deserves glory-filled response.
Psalm 69:30
"I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."
In the middle of a psalm filled with complaints and cries for help, this verse appears like a sudden clearing in dense forest. Even surrounded by trouble, the psalmist chooses praise—not because circumstances warrant it, but because God's character does.
Psalm 71:8
"My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long."
This psalm, written in old age, reveals praise as a lifelong discipline. The imagery suggests praise so habitual it fills the mouth, like breath itself. The praise-filled life speaks of God's splendor not occasionally but continually.
Psalm 86:12
"I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever."
Wholehearted praise involves our complete devotion, not divided attention. This verse reminds us that halfhearted worship robs both God of glory and us of joy. True praise engages every chamber of our hearts.
Psalm 92:1
"It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High."
Simply put, praise is good. It aligns us with reality. It places us in our proper relationship to God. This verse presents praise not as burden but benefit—something that's good for us, like spiritual nutrition for the soul.
Psalm 95:1
"Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation."
The plural language here invites communal worship. Notice how it begins with joy and builds to shouting—suggesting worship that grows in intensity as it recognizes the solid foundation ("Rock") of our salvation.
Psalm 96:1
"Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth."
This call for a "new song" suggests fresh, creative expressions of praise rather than stale repetition. While ancient truths ground our worship, each generation—each believer—adds unique voice to earth's ongoing symphony of praise.
Psalm 100:1
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth."
Five short verses of Psalm 100 contain seven commands, beginning with this call to global, exuberant celebration. Worship that grasps God's greatness can't remain subdued or contained; it overflows in joyful expression.
Psalm 100:4
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Using temple imagery, this verse portrays praise as the pathway into God's presence. Thanksgiving and praise become not just activities but entryways—means by which we draw near to the heart of God.
Psalm 103:1
"Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name."
David addresses his own soul here, showing that sometimes we must command ourselves to praise when feelings lag behind truth. This internalized praise involves our "inmost being"—not just our lips but our deepest identity.
Psalm 104:33
"I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."
After cataloging God's wonders in creation, the psalmist commits to lifelong praise. This verse frames worship not as special occasion but as life orientation—praise that continues through changing seasons and circumstances.
Psalm 106:1
"Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
This introductory verse to a psalm recounting Israel's failures reminds us that God's goodness and unfailing love provide reason for praise even in light of our unfaithfulness. His character, not our performance, grounds our worship.
Psalm 107:8
"Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind."
Four times this refrain repeats in Psalm 107, following different scenarios of God's deliverance. Whether from desert wandering, prison darkness, foolish rebellion, or raging seas, the proper response remains the same: thanksgiving for unfailing love.
Psalm 109:30
"With my mouth I will greatly extol the LORD; in the great throng of worshipers I will praise him."
Even in this psalm of passionate complaint against enemies, David resolves that praise will prevail. The word "greatly" suggests praise of significant intensity—not obligatory words but heartfelt exaltation.
Psalm 111:1
"Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly."
Again we see the "whole heart" emphasis along with both private ("council of the upright") and public ("assembly") dimensions of praise. True worship flows naturally between intimate settings and corporate gatherings.
Psalm 113:1
"Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, you his servants; praise the name of the LORD."
The triplicate command emphasizes the essential nature of praise for those who serve God. Just as breathing isn't optional for physical life, praising isn't optional for spiritual vitality.
Psalm 117:1
"Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples."
The shortest psalm carries an expansive vision—all nations and peoples joining in God's praise. This reminds us that authentic worship transcends national, ethnic, and cultural boundaries, uniting diverse voices in common recognition of God's worth.
Psalm 118:29
"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever."
Bookending this psalm of deliverance, this refrain emphasizes that God's goodness and steadfast love provide constant reason for thanksgiving regardless of changing circumstances.
Psalm 135:1
"Praise the LORD. Praise the name of the LORD; praise him, you servants of the LORD."
Like several praise psalms, this one begins with "Hallelujah" (Praise the LORD) and then specifically calls God's servants—those who know Him through covenant relationship—to honor His name.
Psalm 138:1
"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the 'gods' I will sing your praise."
Praising God "before the gods" suggests worship as bold testimony in a world of competing values and false idols. When we praise God wholeheartedly, we implicitly declare everything else less worthy of ultimate devotion.
Psalm 145:1
"I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever."
This opening to David's final psalm in the collection establishes praise as eternal activity. The personal language ("my God") balances with royal recognition ("the King"), showing praise as both intimate connection and reverent submission.
Psalm 145:3
"Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom."
This verse links God's greatness with His praiseworthiness while acknowledging the paradox—we praise what we cannot fully comprehend. Worship thrives not on complete understanding but on genuine recognition of majesty beyond measurement.
Psalm 146:2
"I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."
Beginning a series of five concluding hallelujah psalms, this verse recommits to lifelong praise. The parallel phrasing emphasizes that praising God isn't just religious activity but life purpose.
Psalm 147:1
"Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!"
Unlike obligation that depletes, praise refreshes the human spirit. This verse describes worship as "good," "pleasant," and "fitting"—suggesting it satisfies something deep within us because it aligns us with our created purpose.
Psalm 148:13
"Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens."
After calling everything from sun and moon to mountains and trees to praise God, the psalmist declares why: God's name alone deserves exaltation. True praise recognizes God's incomparable nature.
Psalm 150:6
"Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD."
The Psalter's final verse extends the praise invitation to every living creature. This universal call reminds us that praise isn't just religious specialty but creation's purpose—the ultimate reason for having breath at all.
New Testament Bible Verses of Praise: Worship in Christ
In the New Testament, praise takes on new dimensions through Jesus Christ. No longer directed toward a distant deity, worship becomes intimate communion with God who took on flesh. Through Christ, praise moves beyond temple courts into everyday life. The Holy Spirit enables worship not bound by location but flowing from transformed hearts.
These New Testament Bible verses of praise reveal how early believers expressed worship in light of salvation's completion. They show praise becoming not just occasional practice but lifestyle—the natural overflow of hearts captivated by grace.
New Testament Bible Verses of Praise
Acts 16:25
"About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them."
Perhaps no verse better illustrates praise's power than this scene: two men, beaten and imprisoned, choosing worship at midnight. Their chains couldn't silence their praise—and neither could their circumstances silence God's response. True praise isn't dependent on comfort but on conviction about who God remains even in our darkest hours.
Ephesians 1:3
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
Paul begins this magnificent letter with praise—recognition that before we ask anything of God, we acknowledge what He's already lavished upon us in Christ. This verse reminds us that praise properly precedes petition, gratitude rightly comes before requests.
Hebrews 13:15
"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name."
This verse revolutionizes our understanding of worship. Under the old covenant, praise happened primarily at designated times and places. Now, through Jesus our mediator, praise becomes "continual" and accessible anywhere. Yet note that it remains a "sacrifice"—sometimes costly, always valuable—fruit produced not from obligation but from genuine faith.
Revelation 5:13
"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!'"
This glimpse of worship's eternal future reveals praise as creation's ultimate destiny. Every creature joins a cosmic chorus recognizing both Father and Son. The fourfold ascription ("praise and honor and glory and power") suggests complete, perfect worship—what all our earthly praise anticipates and rehearses.
Closing Reflections: Letting Praise Resound
Throughout Scripture, we see the consistent call to praise God—not because He needs it, but because we do.
These Bible verses of praise remind us that worship is a life-giving practice rooted in God’s truth, not our emotions. Whether you’re walking through valleys or standing on mountaintops, praise reorients your soul to the goodness and greatness of God.
Let these uplifting scriptures shape your worship, anchor your faith, and fill your heart with gratitude. As you declare His praise, may your spirit be renewed, your hope restored, and your relationship with the Lord deepened.
A Closing Prayer of Praise
Lord, we bless Your name today. With joyful hearts, we give thanks and praise You for Your mercy, love, and faithfulness. Fill our mouths with Your praise and our lives with worship that honors You. May every breath we breathe bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Answering Your Questions About Bible Verses of Praise (FAQ)
What is a good Bible verse for praise?
A good Bible verse for praise is Psalm 100:4 — “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” It's a beautiful invitation into God's presence through worship. Other excellent verses include Psalm 150:6 — “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,” and Psalm 103:1 — “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.”
What Psalm is best for praise?
Many Psalms express deep and joyful praise, but Psalm 150 stands out as a pure call to worship. It is a crescendo of adoration, urging everything that breathes to praise the Lord. Others like Psalm 100, 103, and 145 are also widely loved for their rich language of thanksgiving, glory, and reverence.
Why is praise important according to the Bible?
Praise is important because it honors God (Psalm 29:2), strengthens the believer (Psalm 28:7), and invites His presence (Psalm 22:3). It shifts our focus from problems to God’s power, fosters gratitude, and reminds us of God’s unchanging faithfulness. Scripture presents praise not just as a response, but as a spiritual discipline that transforms hearts and glorifies the Lord.
How can I use these Bible verses of praise?
You can use these verses in many ways: meditate on them during quiet time, include them in daily prayers, sing them during worship, memorize them to encourage yourself and others, or share them in devotionals and Bible studies. Whether you're alone or in a group, speaking scripture aloud lifts your spirit and glorifies God.
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