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Overview
When Becky Harling was diagnosed with cancer over ten years ago, she begged God for healing. A friend of hers had another idea. She challenged Becky to spend twenty minutes a day in praise. Becky thought, What if I’m not feeling thankful? But as she intentionally praised God, she began to experience new joy—and her relationship with God has never been the same.
Now, in The Thirty-Day Praise Challenge, Becky guides you in praising God for twenty minutes every day for one month. Arranged topically, the book includes music selections to enhance your praise journey and creative ideas for continuing the habit of praise.
As Becky writes, “If you take this challenge, your faith will grow more than you dreamed possible. You will experience more joy, less insecurity, more courage, less anxiety. Thirty days of praising God. Are you ready?”
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780781408950 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | David C Cook |
| Publication date: | 08/01/2013 |
| Pages: | 208 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.00(w) x 6.90(h) x 0.60(d) |
About the Author
Read an Excerpt
the 30-day praise challenge
By becky harling
David C. Cook
Copyright © 2013 Becky HarlingAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0895-0
CHAPTER 1
Part One
the challenge
give praise a chance
For the past twelve years I have participated in a practice that has radically changed my life. I began right after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Scared and stressed out at the thought of a double mastectomy, worried about my kids and whether I would be alive to finish raising them, anxious and paralyzed over the thought of a year full of treatments, I decided to fast, pray, and beg God for healing and peace of mind. When I told my mentor about my plan, she had another idea. She challenged me to spend twenty minutes a day for a week in pure praise. At the time I remember thinking, Why in the world would I do that? Won't it be hypocritical to praise God if I'm not feeling thankful? After wrestling with her suggestion, I decided I had nothing to lose. I may as well give praise a chance.
Tackling that challenge was the beginning of an extraordinary adventure. As I devoted twenty minutes of every day to praising God, I developed a strong sense of His presence. Praise awakened my heart to His voice. Many mornings before my alarm went off, He woke me up with an invitation that went like this: Wake up, My child. Come and be with Me. Praise Me and enjoy My presence. I came to realize that God was excited to have me come and spend time with Him. He longed for intimacy with me. That thought alone boggled my mind.
As I continued the practice of private praise, God's presence became more tangible, and I began to change into a more positive, confident, and secure woman. The transformation I have experienced is undeniable. Praise changed me from being fearful, frantic, and insecure to being a calm person filled with passion and purpose.
Before taking the praise challenge, I found it difficult to feel God's love for me. After I took the challenge, I found myself experiencing His love beyond anything I imagined. Before, I sometimes felt abandoned by God. Afterward, His presence in my life became more concrete and I found it easier to trust Him. I am more convinced than ever that establishing intentional time for private praise is critical to transformation in the life of the believer.
I am guessing that you picked up this book because you are longing for a deeper encounter with God. Maybe life has dealt you an unfair blow and you feel afraid. It could be that you are wrestling with some significant doubts about God, and someone recommended that you read this book. Perhaps your heart is crying for a fresh awakening to the Holy Spirit's voice and power. That longing comes from God; He is prompting it.
Praising Him was His idea in the first place. God invites us to praise Him, not just because praise gives God His due, but also because of what it does in us and for us. Praise restores our faith, fills us with joy, calms our fears, and inspires us to love and obey God. If you long for those changes in your life, I invite you to take the praise challenge:
Spend 20 minutes intentionally praising God for 30 consecutive days.
In Part 2 of this book, "30 Days of Praise," you'll find help for doing just that. 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.
In addition, each day has a prayer of praise. Because we worship a triune God, these prayers may be directed to one or more members of the Trinity. The Bible teaches that God exists eternally in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. As you praise each person of the Trinity, your faith will grow and you will be drawn into deeper intimacy with each member of the Godhead.
In Part 3, "Taking It Further," you will find ideas and tips for how to enhance your praise journey. You will learn how to praise God through His names, through the Psalms, through the book of Revelation, and through a declaration of faith. In addition, you will gain insight into how to praise when you are grieving or feeling depressed, as well as how to praise in order to defeat the Enemy. You can use these praise helps over and over again as you move ahead in your praise journey.
To get the most out of your praise time, you'll need:
Intentionality. It's easy to begin the praise challenge with a skeptical heart. I understand that. But don't allow yourself to stay in that skepticism. Ask God to uproot any doubt in you, and trust the Holy Spirit to give you childlike faith for this adventure. As you progress through the challenge, you may experience God's presence in a fresh way. Tell the Lord in advance that you are ready to experience as much of Him as possible.
As you begin to be more intentional about praise, you will find that you hear God's voice more clearly. His voice might be a deep prompting in your spirit, or it might be His words in your mind calling you to some action. When you hear God speak to you in prayer, don't second-guess or question whether you imagined His voice. Instead, trust by faith that you did hear His voice and then respond in obedience and faith.
Praise music that prompts you to worship. Music has been a significant part of helping me quiet my heart, tune out the rest of the world, and sink into the presence of the Almighty. On page 195 is a list of praise songs I encourage you to listen to during this challenge. If you download the songs ahead of time, you won't need to interrupt your praise time. If you find that the songs I've chosen don't appeal to you, that's fine. Just download praise music that helps you focus on the presence of God. (Of course, you can also listen to the songs at YouTube.com.)
As you listen, allow the songs to prompt your praise. You may want to play them throughout the day to remind you to keep an attitude of praise. Do what works best for you—simply use the music to aid you in your worship.
Flexibility. There are no rules for this challenge. You can praise God any time of day. I like to praise God early in the morning while it's still dark. I get down on my knees and put on music that takes me into God's presence. My husband, on the other hand, worships best outside after the sun is up. He will often take a praise walk. As he walks, he exalts the Lord. I know women who praise God during their kids' naptime and others who praise Him at night after everyone else is in bed. I want you to find a time that works best for you. And if you miss a day, no worries! This is not meant to be a legalistic practice. Just pick up where you left off the day before.
Please feel free to use the prayers as prompts but realize that you don't have to pray exactly as I've suggested. I encourage you to develop your own prayers. My desire is for the Spirit of God to lead you in this journey of praise.
A journal. At the end of each day of praise, there are some questions for you to respond to in a praise journal. Reflecting on these questions and writing down your answers will give you insight into what you are learning and enable you to record changes you see in yourself or changes that you may need to make. Some of the journal questions ask you to imagine positive changes that you might experience in a given area if you choose to praise.
God can use our imaginations to help us dream, create, and experience His presence in deeper ways. Dreaming builds and sustains hope in our lives. So don't be afraid to use your imagination. Your journal will become a record of your praise journey, which will help you remember all you experienced of God during the thirty days.
To use your Bible. Most of the scriptures have been written out for you in The 30-Day Praise Challenge, so even if you don't have a Bible, you can still take the challenge. But you might want your own Bible to underline and date specific passages that speak to your heart.
If you take this challenge, you will change. You will re-fall in love with Jesus. You will experience more joy and peace, less insecurity and envy, more boldness and courage, and less fear and anxiety. Your faith will grow and the fruit of the Spirit will be more evident in your life. You will find that the chains that once bound you are broken, and you will experience more freedom than you ever dreamed possible!
Are you ready to fall deeper in love with Jesus? Let's get started!
CHAPTER 2Part Two
30 days of praise
Day 1
Oh, the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" Romans 11:33–34
The Invitation
My child, every day you are faced with countless decisions. Many times you are unsure about what to do. I am the source of all wisdom, and I know the plans I have for you, plans so that you can prosper and thrive. Even when you don't understand My ways, I am working behind the scenes to accomplish what's best for you. My wisdom has no limits and My judgments are always perfect. I have never needed a counselor and have never had to ask for another's opinion because all wisdom begins and ends with Me. Today, worship and praise Me for My wisdom. Every time you face a perplexing decision, praise Me that I can show you what to do. As you faithfully praise Me, I will show you which way to go. I love to generously share My wisdom with those who praise me. (Rom. 11:33–34; Jer. 29:11; Ps. 111:10; James 1:5)
God is the source of all wisdom, and He can provide the wisdom you need for every decision you face. Today, whenever you are presented with a challenge, praise God that you can trust Him to give you His wisdom in each circumstance. Every time you feel an uncertain angst in your soul, praise God immediately that He will give you discernment for that moment.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)
Listen
Listen to "God I Look to You" performed by Bethel Live, featuring Jenn Johnson, and "Sovereign Hands" performed by Hillsong United. As you listen, praise God that He will set the vision for your life and give you wisdom, moment by moment.
Pray
Lord Jesus, I praise You for being the God of all wisdom. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in You. I exalt You because Your understanding is beyond anything I can fathom. You created the world with perfect insight. Scripture tells me there are no limits to Your knowledge and that You have never needed a counselor. I praise You that although I don't have wisdom in ______________ [name a specific area], You do. You promise me that if I lack wisdom, I only need to ask, and You will give me wisdom. As I move through my day I praise You in advance for the wisdom You will plant in my mind moment by moment. (Col. 2:3; Jer. 10:12; Rom. 11:33–34; James 1:5)
Journal
In what specific area(s) of your life are you longing for wisdom? Write out your thoughts in your journal, and then write a prayer of praise affirming your faith that God will give you the wisdom that you need.
Day 2
The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Psalm 28:8
The Invitation
My beloved, I know you are tired. My strength is the perfect match for your weakness. I never grow fatigued or weary; I never lack the energy to accomplish My purposes. Praise Me for My unlimited strength. When you are weak and you praise Me, you give Me the opportunity to showcase My power. So don't be discouraged by your weaknesses; instead, praise Me that I promise to sustain and help you. I will hold you up in the moments when you feel you cannot continue. As you praise Me, My Spirit will pour strength into your soul and you will feel renewed energy rising. (Ps. 28:8; Isa. 40:28–29; 2 Cor. 12:9; Isa. 41:10)
Today, praise God for His immeasurable strength and awesome power. Praise Him that He promises to renew the strength of those who spend time in His presence and that He will give you enough strength for the coming days. Whenever you feel low in energy, immediately praise God that His power is perfected in your weakness.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. (Ps. 59:17 NLT)
Listen
Listen to "Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)" performed by Paul Baloche, "Please Be My Strength" performed by Gungor, and "Stronger" performed by Mandisa. Listen for His voice as you worship. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to create the space for more rest in your life.
Pray
I praise You, Lord, because You are my refuge and strength even during times of stress. You arm me with power when tasks feel impossible and when life feels challenging. I praise You that when I feel exhausted, You invite me to rest in You, reassuring me that You are not demanding or harsh in Your expectations for me. You promise all those who hope in You that You will renew their strength, helping them to soar on wings like eagles. Those who put their hope in You will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint. Thank You that when I feel weak, I can move out of the way and trust Your strength. I praise You this day that You will provide the strength I need to be who You have called me to be. (Ps. 46:10; 2 Sam. 22:2–3; Matt. 11:28; Isa. 40:31)
Journal
Write about a time when you felt extremely weak and then experienced God's strength. What do you feel God is saying to you today?
Day 3
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13–14
The Invitation
You are My one-of-a-kind masterpiece! I designed you with intention. I deliberately crafted every part of your body, soul, and spirit for My glory. I know there are times when you feel frustrated with your weaknesses and limitations. But you are fearfully and wonderfully made in My image. You are a reflection of My beauty. Everything I make is good, including you. When you praise and thank Me for how I designed you, My Spirit quiets the voices of self-doubt. I knit you together in your mother's womb. Praise Me that I chose your eye color, hair color, body build, and intellect before the foundation of the world.
Others may tell you that you must look a certain way or attain a certain level of achievement to be worthwhile. Don't listen to them. Instead, thank Me that I am continually perfecting the work I started in you. Rather than tear yourself down, exalt Me for the beauty I am exhibiting through your life. As you praise Me, I will help you let go of the anxiety you feel over your limitations. (Eph.2:10; Phil. 1:6; Ps. 139:13–14) God is not disappointed in the way you turned out. On the contrary, He delights over you!
He is continuing to change you and empower you to become the person He created you to be. Dare to praise Him today for the way He designed you. Whether you're having a good body day or a bad body day, praise and worship Him that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Praise Him for your intellectual capacities and for His ongoing work in your life. Praise Him that He is able to bring beauty out of any mess in your life, even those messes created by your own mistakes.
For everything God created is good. (1 Tim. 4:4)
Listen
Listen to "Beautiful Things" performed by Gungor and "For Your Splendor" performed by Christy Nockels.
Pray
My Father, thank You that I have been made in Your image and bear a striking resemblance to You. I praise You, because You carefully and creatively knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made! You created me in perfect wisdom. You designed me to reflect Your beauty in a world that is often not very beautiful. Thank You for shining through my eyes, speaking through my voice, and loving through my heart. I praise You that You are shaping me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." There is no one I would rather look like than Jesus! Thank You for continuing Your work, even when I complain. I praise You that I was created to do good works that You prepared for me to do long before I was even born. Please renew the image of Jesus Christ in me today. I praise You and worship You, my Creator! (Ps. 139:13–14; Ps. 104:24; Eph. 2:10; Col. 1:15)
Journal
Has it been difficult for you to say, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made"? Why? How have you seen God use your weaknesses for good? How has He used your strengths to demonstrate His love?
(Continues...)
Excerpted from the 30-day praise challenge by becky harling. Copyright © 2013 Becky Harling. Excerpted by permission of David C. Cook.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
foreword 11
Part 1 the challenge 15
Part 2 30 days of praise 25
Part 3 taking it further 149
praising God through His names
praising God using the Psalms
praising God from the book of Revelation
praising God to defeat the Enemy
praising God through a declaration of faith
praising God when you are grieving or feeling depressed
list of praise songs to download 199
acknowledgments 203