To praise Jesus is to express adoration, honor, and thanksgiving to Him for who He is—the Son of God, Savior, and Lord. It is a heartfelt act of worship acknowledging His deity, His sacrifice on the cross for our salvation, and His supreme glory through our words, songs, and lifestyle.
We all have a deep desire to express adoration, gratitude, and reverence for what is truly magnificent. For believers, this desire finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. As the Son of God, He laid down His life for our sins and rose again, conquering death forever (Romans 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This divine act of love compels us to respond with worship. But how can we praise Jesus in a way that truly and biblically honors Him?
This article explores the profound question of how to praise Jesus. We will turn to God’s Word, the Holy Bible, as our ultimate guide for all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Here, we will uncover what true praise means by examining not just our words, but also our heart’s attitude and the way we live. This guide will illuminate scripture and provide encouraging examples to help you deepen your expression of faith and worship.
Understanding *how* to praise first requires us to grasp *why*. What is it about Jesus Christ that warrants our constant admiration and devotion? And why is praise a vital, transformative part of our walk with Him? To build a firm foundation for our worship, we must first consider the importance of praising Jesus. This begins by acknowledging who He is and responding to the boundless grace of His salvation.
Why is it Important to Praise Jesus?
Why is it Important to Praise Jesus?
Praising Jesus is more than a suggestion—it is a vital practice for every believer. This act of worship deepens our relationship with Him, affirms the core truths of our faith, and transforms our hearts and minds. Ultimately, praise draws us closer to our Savior.
Acknowledging Who He Is
Praise begins with recognizing and declaring the true identity of Jesus. He is not just a good teacher or a prophet; He is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. When we worship Him, we acknowledge His supreme authority and divine nature.
Consider these profound truths about Jesus:
- He is God Incarnate: Jesus is God in the flesh, who walked among us. He is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
- He is the Creator: Through Him, all things were made, and nothing was made without Him (John 1:3). Therefore, He deserves our worship as the source of all existence.
- He is Lord of All: The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11). His lordship extends over all creation—past, present, and future.
- He is Sustainer of Life: He upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). His constant care and dominion sustain all of creation.
Praising Jesus aligns our hearts with these eternal truths. It is a declaration of His sovereignty and majesty. This act of worship deepens our understanding of His power and glory, and it affirms our faith in Him as the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8).
Responding to His Salvation
In addition to His divine identity, we praise Jesus for His extraordinary act of salvation. His death on the cross and glorious resurrection are the central events of human history, offering redemption to all who believe.
His salvation offers invaluable gifts:
- Forgiveness of Sins: Because Jesus bore our sins on the cross, we can receive forgiveness and cleansing through His sacrifice (1 Peter 2:24). This provides freedom from guilt and shame.
- Eternal Life: God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). This precious gift transcends our earthly existence.
- Reconciliation with God: We were once alienated from God by sin. However, Christ’s sacrifice restores us to a loving relationship with our Creator (Romans 5:10).
- Deliverance from Darkness: Jesus rescues us from the dominion of darkness and brings us into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13), giving us hope and peace.
Praising Jesus is our heartfelt “thank you” for these priceless gifts and an expression of gratitude for the immeasurable grace we have received. We are saved through His perfect love, not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Therefore, our praise is a natural overflow from a redeemed heart, acknowledging the freedom He has lovingly granted us.
What does it mean to praise Jesus?
Praise as Worship and Adoration
Praising Jesus is an act of deep worship and adoration. It means we acknowledge His supreme worth—His holiness, majesty, and absolute perfection.
This praise flows from a heart overwhelmed by His divine nature. It is a natural response to His inherent glory and a spiritual act of bowing down before the King of Kings.
When we worship Jesus, we are not simply saying words. Instead, we are declaring His rightful place above all creation. The Bible makes this clear:
- Reverence: “Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth” (Psalm 96:9). This verse calls us to a posture of awe.
- Worthiness: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11). Jesus, as part of the Godhead, shares in this worthiness.
In essence, praise as worship is giving Jesus the honor He deserves. It elevates Him above all earthly concerns, focusing our hearts and minds entirely on Him.
Praise as Thanksgiving for His Sacrifice
Praising Jesus also means offering profound thanksgiving for His ultimate sacrifice. Through His death on the cross and glorious resurrection, He provided salvation for all who believe.
Our praise is a grateful response to this immeasurable love. Because He willingly laid down His life for us, our redemption is secured and we are offered eternal life.
Consider the depth of His gift:
- Forgiveness of Sins: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (Ephesians 1:7). His blood cleanses us.
- Healing and Wholeness: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). We find spiritual healing through Him.
- Victory Over Death: His resurrection means death has no final sting (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). We gain victory through Him.
Therefore, our praise for Jesus is deeply rooted in gratitude. It acknowledges the incredible cost of our salvation and celebrates the new life we have in Him.
Praise as a Declaration of His Lordship
Finally, to praise Jesus is to declare His undisputed Lordship. This means affirming He is the sovereign King with ultimate authority over heaven and earth.
This declaration is not just a statement; it is a lifestyle. It shapes how we live and think, leading us to submit to His will and purposes.
The Bible commands and illustrates this declaration repeatedly:
- Universal Submission: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). Every creature will eventually recognize His authority.
- God’s Proclamation: “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (Acts 2:36). God Himself established Jesus’ Lordship.
When we praise Jesus, we affirm our allegiance to Him and declare our trust in His rule as Lord of all. This declaration strengthens our faith and anchors our hope in His unwavering power.
Where in the Bible does it say to praise Jesus?
Commands to Praise in the Psalms
The Old Testament, particularly the Psalms, provides a rich foundation for praise. While many psalms direct praise to God the Father, they establish the core nature and practice of worship. Because Christians understand Jesus as God Incarnate—the second person of the Holy Trinity—these ancient calls to worship inherently extend to Him. After all, Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
Consider these powerful declarations:
- Psalm 150:6: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” This universal command includes all creation.
- Psalm 145:3: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.” Jesus’ greatness is also beyond measure.
- Psalm 34:1: “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This attitude of continuous praise applies directly to our Savior.
The Psalms teach us to praise God for His:
- Goodness and mercy (Psalm 107:1).
- Mighty deeds (Psalm 150:2).
- Faithfulness and truth (Psalm 89:1).
These attributes are perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God’s love and power.
Examples of Praise in the New Testament (Hebrews 13:15)
In the New Testament, praise directed specifically to Jesus becomes clear. His life, death, and resurrection mark Him as uniquely worthy of all adoration.
Hebrews 13:15 offers a key verse to guide our praise:
- Hebrews 13:15: “Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.”
This verse instructs us to offer praise “through Him” (Jesus), meaning our worship is acceptable to God because of Jesus’ atoning work. Our “sacrifice of praise” involves actively speaking, singing, and living out our adoration for God, all made possible by Christ.
Further examples of praising Jesus abound:
- Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This passage is a profound call to worship Jesus as Lord.
- Ephesians 1:3-6: Paul praises God the Father for spiritual blessings “in Christ,” which means our blessings come through Jesus, making Him a natural focus of our praise.
- The Early Church: Acts 2:47 describes believers “praising God and having favor with all the people.” Their praise was part of a life centered on the resurrected Christ.
Indeed, Jesus Himself accepted praise during His earthly ministry, such as when children praised Him in the temple (Matthew 21:16).
The Heavenly Chorus in Revelation
The book of Revelation offers a magnificent vision of eternal praise directed to Jesus. In this future reality, a heavenly chorus of all creation worships Him without ceasing, affirming both His divine identity and His redemptive work.
Consider these powerful scenes:
- Revelation 5:9-10: “And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation; and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'” Here, Jesus, the Lamb, is praised for His sacrifice and salvation.
- Revelation 5:12: “Saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!'” This is a seven-fold declaration of His worthiness.
- Revelation 7:9-10: A great multitude from every nation stands before the throne and before the Lamb, crying out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
These passages undeniably show Jesus receiving universal and eternal praise. As the Lamb who was slain and is now risen, He is honored alongside God the Father. This vision confirms that praising Jesus is not merely an earthly act but an eternal, heaven-ordained reality—a foretaste of the worship that awaits all believers in His glorious presence.
What to say to praise Jesus?
Using Scripture: Key ‘Praise Jesus’ Verses
The Bible is our ultimate guide, showing us how to honor Jesus. God’s Word gives us powerful phrases to help us express our praise for the Son of God. Using scripture ensures our praise is true because it aligns with God’s perfect revelation.
Many verses directly declare Jesus’ glory, speaking of His power, love, and divine nature. By echoing these truths in our own worship, we ground our praise in the Word of God.
- Philippians 2:9-11: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This passage affirms Jesus’ ultimate authority and highlights His Lordship over all creation. We declare this truth when we praise Him.
- Revelation 5:12: “Saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!'” This verse from Revelation captures the essence of heavenly praise, recognizing Jesus’ sacrifice and celebrating His supreme worthiness. Our praise joins this eternal chorus.
- Hebrews 1:3: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” Here, Jesus’ divinity shines brightly as God’s perfect image. He sustains everything by His mighty word, and praising Him means acknowledging this divine power.
- John 1:1-3: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made.” This foundational scripture declares Jesus’ eternal nature as the Word, fully God, and the Creator of all things. Praising Him acknowledges His eternal, creative power.
- Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This prophetic verse speaks of Jesus’ coming and reveals His glorious titles, each one a reason to offer our praise.
By using these inspired words, we honor Jesus deeply, magnifying His true identity and strengthening our own faith.
From the Heart: Simple ‘Praise Jesus’ Quotes and Prayers
Praise doesn’t always require formal language; sometimes, the most powerful praise comes from a sincere heart. Simple, spontaneous words can be deeply meaningful because they show our personal connection with the Savior and reflect a spirit of gratitude and love.
Consider these simple ways to praise Jesus throughout your day:
- “Praise You, Jesus!” This short, powerful phrase can be spoken in moments of joy or in times of need to direct our focus back to Him.
- “Thank You, Lord, for Your amazing grace.” Since grace is God’s undeserved favor received through Jesus, this simple phrase expresses deep gratitude for His salvation.
- “Jesus, You are my everything.” This statement acknowledges His central role as our hope, strength, and life, speaking of complete surrender and adoration.
- “All glory to You, Christ!” This phrase declares His supremacy and lifts His name above all others in a humble recognition of His worth.
- “My Savior, I adore You.” By combining worship with a personal relationship, this phrase reminds us that He saved us and expresses our deep love for Him.
You can also offer simple prayers of praise:
- “Heavenly Father, I praise You for sending Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for His sacrifice and resurrection. He truly is Lord.”
- “Jesus, my King, I am overwhelmed by Your love. Thank You for choosing me. I give You all the honor and glory.”
- “Mighty God, I praise Your holy name. You are good, faithful, and just. Guide my steps today, for Your glory.”
Let your praise flow naturally from an overflowing heart. This heartfelt devotion blesses both you and God.
In Song: The Power of Worship Lyrics
Music is a powerful vehicle for praise that lifts our spirits and helps us express devotion. Many worship songs are rich with biblical truth, amplifying our adoration for Jesus Christ. Singing together, in particular, creates a unique atmosphere of worship.
Worship lyrics often draw directly from scripture, rephrasing biblical truths in accessible and memorable ways. This allows us to declare God’s character with emotion and helps us remember His mighty deeds. From ancient hymns to modern worship anthems, the message remains constant: Jesus is worthy of all praise.
Consider the impact of worship lyrics in these ways:
- Emotional Connection: Music connects with our emotions, helping us feel the weight of God’s love and express our longing for Him. This deepens our personal worship experience.
- Theological Depth: Many worship songs are rich in theology, teaching us about Jesus’ nature and His work of salvation. In this way, they reinforce core Christian doctrines.
- Communal Unity: Singing together builds unity among believers in common praise. This shared experience strengthens the body of Christ and reflects the heavenly chorus described in Revelation.
- Remembering Truth: Catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics help us memorize scripture and embed God’s truth in our hearts, allowing us to recall these truths during difficult times.
Embrace the power of worship music by letting the lyrics fill your mind and inspire your heart. Whether you are in church or alone, singing praise to Jesus is a beautiful act of worship.
How Can We Live a Life That Praises Jesus?
Beyond Words: Acts of Service and Obedience
True praise for Jesus extends beyond spoken words to transform our entire lives, making our actions a powerful testament to His Lordship.
Living a life that praises Jesus means embracing obedience and striving to follow His commands. This includes loving God above all else and loving our neighbors as ourselves, just as Jesus taught.
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Active service to others also reflects our devotion. When we serve, we emulate Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve with profound love and compassion. This is a core aspect of our faith, as Jesus identifies with those in need.
“Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Consider these ways to live out your praise through service and obedience:
- Serve others joyfully: Look for opportunities to help, assist those in your community, and volunteer your time and talents.
- Practice genuine compassion: Show kindness and empathy by offering support to those who are struggling.
- Live with integrity: Let your honesty and trustworthiness shine in all your dealings.
- Forgive readily: Extend grace to others by releasing bitterness and resentment.
- Seek justice: Stand up for what is right and advocate for the oppressed.
- Offer a living sacrifice: Present your whole life to God, letting your daily walk be an act of worship. As Paul writes, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1).
As James 2:17 states, faith without works is dead. Our deeds both demonstrate our belief and bring glory to God’s name.
Sharing Your Testimony
Sharing your personal story is one of the most profound ways to praise Jesus. A testimony is powerful because it reveals how He has transformed your life, offering hope to others and showing God’s amazing grace at work.
When you share your testimony, you declare God’s goodness and recount His faithfulness, fulfilling a biblical call.
“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” (Psalm 107:2)
Your story does not need to be dramatic, as every believer has a testimony. It is simply the story of how you came to know Christ and the changes He has made in your life. The world needs to hear these stories because they reveal Jesus as the living Savior.
Here are key elements to consider when sharing your testimony:
- Life before Christ: Briefly describe your life without Jesus, explaining any struggles or emptiness.
- How you met Jesus: Share the moment or period of your conversion and describe what led you to Him.
- Life after Christ: Talk about the positive changes and explain how He continues to work in you.
- The role of Jesus: Always center Jesus in your story, as He is the hero who saves and transforms.
The Bible tells us that believers overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Your voice matters because it helps spread the Gospel and shows that Jesus is real and active today.
A Note on Modern Expressions of Praise (GIFs, Memes)
In our digital age, expressions of faith take many forms, from Christian GIFs and memes to online posts. These can be fun, connect believers, and even share a quick message of hope.
However, it is vital to remember that true praise must stem from a sincere heart and genuine reverence for God. While modern expressions can be useful tools, they are not the substance of worship and should never replace deeper acts of devotion.
Jesus warned against superficial worship, speaking of those who honor Him with their lips while their hearts are far from Him (Matthew 15:8). This is why it is important to examine your intentions and ask yourself why you share these items.
Consider these points regarding modern expressions:
- Heartfelt intention is key: Is your use of a meme a genuine act of praise? Does it deepen your faith?
- Biblical accuracy matters: Ensure the content aligns with Scripture and avoid spreading misinformation.
- Be discerning: Not all online content is edifying, so choose wisely what you share.
- Do not rely solely on them: Remember they are supplemental, not substitutes for prayer, Bible study, or community worship.
Ultimately, everything we do should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). If modern tools help you praise Jesus and share His truth, use them thoughtfully. However, always prioritize a life rooted in genuine love, obedience, and heartfelt adoration for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to say praise Jesus?
Yes, saying “Praise Jesus” is not only okay—it is a foundational part of Christian faith and worship. This powerful phrase affirms His divinity, His work of redemption, and His supreme authority over all creation. In fact, Scripture continually encourages believers to praise Him.
Saying “Praise Jesus” is an act of heartfelt adoration and gratitude. It reflects a deep appreciation for who He is and what He has done for us.
- Biblical Mandate: The Bible repeatedly calls believers to praise God. Since Christians believe Jesus is God in human form, this call applies directly to Jesus. For example, Psalm 150:6 proclaims, “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” The New Testament is even more specific, explicitly directing praise to Christ. Hebrews 13:15 states, “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.”
- New Testament Examples: The Gospels and Epistles contain many examples of people praising Jesus. As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9). The angels also sang praises at His birth (Luke 2:13-14).
- Eternal Worship: The Book of Revelation depicts a heavenly scene of countless beings unceasingly praising Jesus. Revelation 5:12 declares, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
Therefore, when you say “Praise Jesus,” you are joining a chorus of worship that spans from earth to heaven, honoring the Son of God who gave His life for our salvation.
What does it mean to praise Jesus?
Praising Jesus is more than just saying a phrase; it is a profound act of worship that involves a person’s whole being. It means fully acknowledging His identity, His actions, and His rightful place as Lord. Ultimately, praise is a response of gratitude and adoration for His immeasurable love.
This act of praise involves several key components:
- Adoration of His Person: Praising Jesus means acknowledging and revering Him as the Son of God—fully divine and fully human. This involves recognizing His holiness, perfection, power, and sovereignty (John 1:1, Philippians 2:9-11). We praise Him for *who He is*.
- Thanksgiving for His Works: Praise includes expressing gratitude for Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Believers thank Him for His sacrifice on the cross, which atoned for sin, and for His victory over death, which grants eternal life (Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 1:3-4). We praise Him for *what He has done*.
- Proclamation of His Lordship: When we praise Jesus, we declare Him our Lord and Savior, confessing His authority over our lives and all creation. While this proclamation is often vocal, it should also translate into a life of obedience and surrender to His will (Colossians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 12:3). We praise Him by *living for Him*.
- Expression from the Heart: True praise comes from a sincere heart filled with faith and love. It is not a mere ritual but a genuine outpouring of our spirit toward Him (Psalm 9:1-2, John 4:23-24).
In essence, praising Jesus means giving Him the glory, honor, and reverence due to Him as our Creator, Redeemer, and King.
Where in the Bible does it say to praise Jesus?
The Bible contains many calls to praise God. Since Christians believe Jesus is God in human form, these calls apply directly to Him. In addition, the New Testament provides specific commands and examples of praising Jesus Christ. Together, these scriptures establish the practice of worshiping our Savior.
Consider the following:
- Old Testament Prophecies and Psalms: Many Old Testament passages call for the praise of “the LORD” (Yahweh). Christians understand these as often pointing toward the coming Messiah. For example, many Psalms are hymns of praise that find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Psalm 145:1-3 expresses praise for God’s greatness, which believers see as fully revealed in Christ.
- New Testament Commands and Examples:
- Hebrews 13:15: This verse instructs believers, “Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” The phrase “through him” refers to Jesus, identifying Him as the means by which we offer praise.
- Philippians 2:9-11: Here, Paul writes that God highly exalted Jesus “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This passage describes a future of universal praise and submission to Jesus.
- Early Church Practices: The book of Acts shows the first Christians frequently praising God in the name of Jesus. After Peter and John were released from prison, the believers “lifted their voices together to God” (Acts 4:24), and their prayer centered on God’s sovereignty as demonstrated through the resurrection of Jesus.
- Angelic and Heavenly Worship: Jesus’s earthly ministry began with heavenly praise. At His birth, a “multitude of the heavenly host” praised God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:13-14).
- The Book of Revelation: This book offers the most vivid descriptions of direct praise to Jesus, who is called “the Lamb.”
- Revelation 5:12 records the heavenly host declaring, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
- Revelation 7:9-10 describes a great multitude from every nation standing before the Lamb, crying out, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Taken together, these scriptures confirm that praising Jesus is a central and eternally significant act of worship. It is a practice commanded in God’s Word and demonstrated throughout biblical history and into eternity.