Praising and worshiping God is not just singing on Sunday morning in church. It is a pleasant and essential practice in our relationship with our Savior and Lord. It can even prepare us for a happy marriage!

Praise and worship is not strictly defined in the Bible. Often these two terms are used interchangeably. However, if we wish to differentiate them, we might say that praise is to acknowledge the qualities of God, to compliment him; while worship is to give him back his place as God, Father, and Lord. Only God should be worshiped, no one and nothing else (Matt 4:10). While praise can also be given to people who have marveled us by their goodness or talents (Prov 31.30).

To have a healthy and balanced relationship with our Heavenly Father, we need both: praise and worship. We need to take the time to compliment him, to be grateful for everything He has done and what He is capable of doing. “If we took the time to thank God for all his kindness, we would have no time to complain”, is a popular saying from a few years ago. We must also worship Him and realize that He is God, the Almighty and that we are His servants.

It is an exercise to which all the children of God should devote themselves, but which can be very practical and instructive for those singles who wish to marry. Why is that?

1.Because it gives God priority

When we put God back on the throne of our lives, our priorities change. What seemed essential to us becomes secondary in his presence. Our languishing soul is satisfied. It is easy to become preoccupied with all kinds of desires (including that of marrying), but when we worship God, He becomes our greatest desire, and God always responds to this hunger (Psalm 37:4).

2.Because this heals our heart

To get healing for our emotional wounds, we must also be able to forgive those who hurt us. If we do not forgive, the outrages that we received will continue to contaminate our thoughts and torment us. But to forgive others, we must first receive forgiveness for our own sins. And we can only receive this forgiveness when we accept the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for us. In praise and worship, we recognize what He has done for us, and we receive the healing for our heart. We are then ready to love with a healthy attitude.

3.Because it gives us hope

When we recount the qualities of God, we quickly recall that He is all powerful, that nothing is impossible for him … including finding us a partner! He is the One who can resurrect our dreams of a blossoming marriage.

4.Because it breaks the dark thoughts

When we are anxious, depressed or simply discouraged, there is nothing better than a good time of praise and worship. Perhaps you will need to play glorious music and shout at his majesty at the top of your lungs, to break the dark cloud over your head. Perhaps you will need to dance like a fool, like David, to break your pride and regain joy (by laughing at yourself!).

5.Because this is good for your health

Praise and worship can improve your physical well-being. By restoring control of your life to God, you no longer have to carry the world on your shoulders; You will be less stressed. Singing is also good for your health as forces you to breathe properly. Then if you add a few dance steps to your praise, you’ll even improve your cardiovascular health!

6.Because this creates friendships

Singing in unity and giving glory to God with other brothers and sisters, gives you common ground with others. If you play an instrument, you can invite friends for an evening of worship. When we start dating it is charming to take a time of praise and worship with our partner. And this, of course, keeps us in holiness!

7.Because we practice a married life

Practice giving compliments to your God, because you will have to give them constantly to your future partner! There are days when your head will not want to praise God, you will not find any logical reason to worship Him. You may even be angry at him. It is at this moment that you must take authority over your emotions and command your soul to praise the Lord, as David did (Ps 146: 1). Once in a relationship, there will also be days when you will not want to compliment your partner, tell them sweet words or show them your love. If you have “practiced” doing it with God, you will be more prepared to do so with your partner, thus ensuring the health of your union.

So go ahead, praise and worship your God today!