The phrase “Praise the Lord, O my soul” appears often in the Psalms. It is a call from deep within the heart to give thanks, worship, and honor to God. This kind of praise is not surface-level—it comes from the core of who we are. To praise the Lord with our soul is to worship Him with our mind, emotions, and will.
A Psalmist’s Cry of Worship
David, the writer of many psalms, often reminded himself to worship even when life was hard. In Psalm 103:1-2, he declares:
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:1-2)
David was speaking to his own soul. He was commanding his inner being to remember God’s goodness. When troubles weighed him down, praise lifted him up.
Why We Praise God With Our Soul
Praising God is more than singing songs on Sunday. It is remembering who He is and what He has done. The soul holds our deepest thoughts and feelings, so when we say, “Praise the Lord, O my soul,” we are giving Him our whole heart.
Here are a few reasons why we praise Him:
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God forgives our sins –
“He forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.” (Psalm 103:3)
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God redeems our lives –
“He redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” (Psalm 103:4)
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God satisfies our needs –
“He satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)
Praise Even in Trials
Sometimes it feels hard to praise. Yet Scripture shows that praise brings strength in the darkest moments. Paul and Silas praised God while in prison, and the chains fell off.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26)
Their example reminds us that praising God can change our perspective and bring freedom.
Praise From the Whole Being
When we praise God with our soul, it should involve all of who we are:
- Mind – Think about God’s promises.
- Emotions – Pour out your love and gratitude.
- Will – Choose to praise even when you don’t feel like it.
This reflects the greatest commandment given by Jesus:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)
Ways to Praise the Lord, O My Soul
Here are simple ways we can live out this verse daily:
- Speak words of thanks when you wake up.
- Sing hymns or worship songs throughout the day.
- Pray Scripture back to God.
- Remember blessings in both big and small things.
- Share testimonies of God’s goodness with others.
A Life of Soul Praise
The call to praise is not just for one moment. It is a way of life. Psalm 146:1-2 says:
“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” (Psalm 146:1-2)
This kind of praise is lifelong. It continues through joys and trials. It draws us closer to God and fills us with His peace.
Worship Videos to Encourage Your Soul
Here are three worship songs based on Psalm 103 that beautifully echo this article’s theme:
