| − | '''Praise''' is the act of using words to celebrate good things. Praise can be used as part of [[worship]] to glorify [[God]], or given to other people in recognition of a job well done. The giving and receiving of sincere praise is important for mental and spiritual well-being. However, excessive praise given for ulterior motives is called [[flattery]]. | + | '''Praise''' is the act of using words to celebrate good things. Praise can be used as part of [[worship]] to glorify [[God]], or given to other people in recognition of a job well done. The giving and receiving of sincere praise is important for mental and spiritual well-being. However, excessive praise given for ulterior motives becomes [[flattery]] and is harmful. |
| | + | Praising God (or gods) forms a part of religious observance for every world [[religion]], and is something that [[people]] are thought to have done since prehistoric times. In modern [[Christianity]], praise is a key part of most services along with [[intercession]], [[confession]], [[thanksgiving]] and [[communion]]. Some might question why a God who is already perfect needs praise, or what use He has for it, but there is a strong [[Bible|Biblical]] precedent for praise: many of the [[Psalms]] are hymns of praise, and [[Jesus]] Himself included praise in the [[Lord's prayer]] that He taught to His [[disciple]]s ("hallowed be thy name"). |