Becky Harling challenges her readers to commit to praising God for twenty minutes each day for 30 days. She promises that following through on this commitment will change believers' lives. The first section of the book works like a devotional in a way.
Each day begins with an invitation to praise God for some characteristic of His deity. Written as if they are from God Himself, these Scripture-based invitations are designed to help you hear God’s voice. Each day also includes guidance for how to praise God, suggestions for music to listen to in order to prompt your praise, and a journal idea to help you process your praise journey.The second section of the book is an extension of sorts. Assuming that readers have now finished their 30 consecutive days of praise and benefited in it by growing closer to God, by coming to know Him more and more, she knows that they'll be hungry for more. So she then offers tips on how to praise God through His names, how to praise God through the Psalms, how to praise God through Revelation, how to praise God through the Apostles' Creed, and finally how to praise God when you are grieving or feeling depressed.
The book includes a comprehensive list of recommended praise songs at the end.
Sample:
Day 13: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1You might also be interested in knowing that there is a 30 Day Praise Challenge For Parents. (I would love to read this at some point to see how the books are the same, and how they are different.)
My child, you are often weighed down by guilt and shame. I don’t condemn you and neither should you condemn yourself. Through My abundant grace, you are forgiven because of the work of My Son on Calvary. All your sins—past, present, and future—have been forgiven. You are totally okay with Me. Shame no longer has to haunt you. You are already clean. I have clothed you in My righteous robe and crowned you with blessing and beauty. When you are tempted to return to your old clothes of shame, put on garments of praise instead. As you worship Me, I will enable you to wear your righteous robe with confidence. Others will try to manipulate you and make you feel guilty; don’t let them. Listen to My voice alone, and lift your voice in praise. If you exalt Me and look up, your face will no longer be clouded with shame; instead, it will glisten with radiant joy. (Rom. 8:1; Rom. 5:17; John 15:3; Rom. 3:21; Isa. 61:1–3; Ps. 34:5) If you’re physically able, get down on your knees for your praise time today. If you are not physically able to get down on your knees, bow your head and imagine someday bowing down in heaven. When you listen to the praise music, use headphones so you won’t be easily distracted. Focus your praise on God’s grace and forgiveness. Lay down every burden of guilt, shame, regret, and self-punishment. Imagine yourself clothed in Christ’s righteous robe. You look as good to God the Father as His Son, Jesus Christ, does. Celebrate the forgiveness that is yours in Jesus Christ. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor. 5:21)
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible
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