Pray or Sing

Yeah. Welcome to the Days of Praise podcast, a daily devotional by the Institute for Creation Research. Pray or sing. Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray.

Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. James five thirteen.

Now here we find a plain lesson. It may even apply to every moment in life. When we feel up, then praise the Lord with song. When we feel down, then take the painful issue to the Lord. Though the instruction is simple, Doing it daily is challenging.

but we are directed to practice it. James's admonition to pray lies among many similar pointers. For example, pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians, 5 seventeen. Yes, this means carry on a constant conversation with the Lord, from waking to sleeping. Even the psalms we sing are prayers themselves.

Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness. Psalm 1.

So, I think it's a very good thing. One way those without the Holy Spirit handle affliction is with complaining. Even Christians who are after the flesh and thus do mind the things of the flesh, Romans 8.5, complain as we did when we were under the elements of the world. When we instead pray, we do all things without murmurings and disputings, Philippians 2.14, and thereby shine as lights in the world. And what a light we shine when we sing aloud to the Lord Paul wrote, We should speak to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

How can believers find themselves singing and praying more often? memorize and practise singing a favorite hymn, or other worshipful song to the Lord. Sing it when times are good. When times are hard, recognize complaints as a lack of trust in the Father. Tell him the issue.

and then trust him again. If you've enjoyed today's devotional, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts. And please rate and review so more listeners can find us. To support ICR's ministry, visit icr.org/slash donate. Your gift of any amount helps us to reach others with biblical truth and encouragement.

Thanks for listening. We hope you'll start each day with days of praise.