We pray these words at every Mass giving God praise. When we praise God, a change
can come over us if we are aware of what we are doing. This means getting our mind
off from ourselves. We might be thinking what is going on in our life today and feeling
the emotions that goes with our thinking. There is another possibility. In truly praising
God with our whole heart and soul these distracting thoughts would fade into the
background. With our mind in the right place, we will be free from constantly
concentrating on ourselves. Being fully present to this praising of God could lead to an
inner experience of joy. We are letting God break through into our lives.
The act of praising God might also give us a glimpse of our holiness. It is not something
that we can own but something that God places in our hearts. The outer words of
praise give way to an inner realization that God’s spirit is active in us. “Holy, holy, holy
Lord of hosts. Heaven and earth are filled with your glory.” Our joy is ready to receive
God’s glory.
• Do you experience the praising of God in your prayer life?
• How does your prayer life help you to take your mind off yourself?
• What benefits do you receive from being in a praying community?
O God, help me to experience the joy that comes from praising you.
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