Sometimes, when we pray, we focus on asking God for things. Maybe we’re asking for help with a tough situation, guidance on a decision, or strength for a difficult season. There’s nothing wrong with that, because God cares a lot about the things we’re concerned with. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
But one thing we can’t overlook is praise. Praise is powerful because it shifts our focus from even our biggest problems to the greatness of God who is bigger than all of them. That’s hopeful, encouraging, and reassuring. That’s why when Jesus taught us to pray, the first thing he said in his prayer was “Hallowed by your name,” which means, “May your name be kept holy.” He first acknowledged the holiness of God before he moved on to anything else.
When we pause to praise God, we’re acknowledging His infinite greatness, His goodness, remembering who God is, and thanking Him for all the amazing things that are true about Him. So, next time you pray, take some time to praise God. If you don’t know what to say or what to thank or honor Him for, Scripture has plenty to say about who God is, and we can get a lot of great ideas for things to praise God for just by reading His Word.
Here’s a list of 26 things to praise God for, one for each letter of the alphabet. I’ve included Bible verses too, so you can just pray through these if you need a little guidance:
A – Almighty
God is all-powerful and has control over everything. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)
B – Benevolent
God is kind, loving, and generous. “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” (Psalm 145:9)
C – Creator
God made everything around us, and He made us in His image. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
D – Divine
God is beyond human understanding, and His ways are perfect. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
E – Eternal
God has no beginning and no end. “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:2)
F – Faithful
God is always true to His promises. “The Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” (Psalm 103:17)
G – Gracious
God gives us unmerited favor, even when we don’t deserve it. “The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145:8)
H – Holy
God is completely pure and set apart from sin. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)
I – Immutable
God never changes – He is the same today as He was yesterday. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
J – Just
God is fair, and He always does what is right. “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.” (Psalm 11:7)
K – King
God reigns over all creation. “The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” (Psalm 97:1)
L – Loving
God’s love for us is immeasurable and unconditional. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
M – Merciful
God shows compassion and forgiveness, even when we don’t deserve it. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
N – Near
God is always close to us, no matter where we are. “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)
O – Omnipotent
God is all-powerful and capable of anything. “For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37)
P – Patient
God is slow to anger and gives us time to turn back to Him. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
Q – Quick to forgive
God is always ready to forgive when we ask. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
R – Righteous
God always does what is right. “For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.” (Psalm 11:7)
S – Sovereign
God is in control of everything. “The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19)
T – Truthful
God is always truthful and trustworthy. “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.” (Numbers 23:19)
U – Unchanging
God is constant and reliable. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
V – Victorious
God has ultimate victory over sin and death. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
W – Wise
God is all-knowing and full of wisdom. “The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
X – eXalted (Ok, yeah, this is a stretch for “x” but there aren’t a lot of possibilities so just go with me on this one…)
God is lifted up and glorified above all things. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9)
Y – YAHWEH (The Great I AM)
God is the eternal self-existent one. “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)
Z – Zealous
God has an intense passion for His people and His purposes. “For the zeal of your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” (Psalm 69:9)
Next time you pray, take a moment to reflect on one of these attributes. Praise God for His goodness, His greatness, and His love. When you do, it’ll shift your perspective and remind you that no matter what’s going on in your life, you’re talking to a God who is worthy of all praise.
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