Whether you’re overflowing with gratitude or barely holding on to hope, the prayers of praise below are here to help.
It’s easy to praise God when life feels good. But what about the days when life feels heavy?
When God feels distant or life disappoints you, that’s when praise becomes more than just something we say or sing. It becomes an intentional choice.
Let’s be clear—praise isn’t about gaslighting yourself into pretending everything is okay. Life can be hard, horrible, or even horrifying, and praise doesn’t diminish that reality. So why do we praise God, even when life is hard?
Praise shifts our perspective. It reminds us that God’s character doesn’t change with our circumstances.
Praise is about remembering who God is, both when life is hard and when things are great. It’s about lifting our eyes when we feel low and choosing to notice the good God is doing. Praise shifts our perspective. It reminds us that God’s character doesn’t change with our circumstances.
What Does the Bible Say About Praising God?
Before we get into specific prayers of praise, here’s a quick look at what Scripture says about why praise matters. These truths can remind us that praising God isn’t just a feel-good moment for Sunday morning; it’s a powerful, daily, life-shaping habit.
Praise reminds us of who God is.
Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3 NIV
Praise is a way we enter God’s presence.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 NIV
Praise brings peace when we feel anxious.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God … will guard your hearts ... Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Praise is part of our purpose.
... you are a chosen people … that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NIV
Praise isn’t just for us, it’s for all of creation.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. … Psalm 150:6 NIV
7 Prayers of Praise to Celebrate God’s Goodness
You don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to praise God. These prayers are here to help you connect with Him. Whether you’re starting your day, walking through something heavy, or simply wanting to give God the glory He deserves, this list can help.
You can pray these straight off the page with your whole heart, or let them spark your own words as you praise the Lord.
1. A Short Prayer of Praise When You Don’t Know What to Say
Sometimes the best prayers are the simplest ones. You don’t need to have the right words or the perfect mood. Just start with honesty and awe.
Dear God, You are good. You are worthy of my praise. Even when I don’t know what to say, I want to honor You. Thank You for who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. A Morning Prayer to Praise God’s Faithfulness
When your day begins with praise, it sets the tone for everything else. Even if you wake up feeling tired or overwhelmed, a simple moment with God can bring peace, purpose, and a reminder that His mercies are new every morning.
Heavenly Father, thank You for this new day. Before anything else competes for my heart or my mind, I want to start with You. You are good, faithful, and present in every moment. I praise You for Your consistent love and care. Help me go through today with a grateful heart as I remember Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. A Prayer of Praise to Jesus
No matter what’s happening around you, Jesus is still King. Jesus offers hope, freedom, and a way of life anyone can start following today. When you feel stuck or discouraged, let your praise point you back to Him.
Lord Jesus Christ, You are my living hope in every situation. Thank You for new life, grace I don’t deserve, and peace I can’t earn. I praise You for defeating death and offering me new life. You are my Savior and my source of joy. I lift up praise to You today. Amen.
4. A Prayer of Praise to the Creator God
Look around. Creation itself is a song of praise to the One who made it all. When you don’t know what to say, let the sky, the trees, and the rhythm of nature remind you of God’s glory and beauty.
Creator God, when I see the world around me, I can’t help but praise You. The beauty of the earth points to Your power and creativity. Thank You for making a world so full of color and life. Help me to join in with every good thing on earth to worship You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. A Prayer of Praise in the Middle of Hardship
Sometimes praise looks like tears. It’s the choice to trust God even when it’s hard. When you feel tired or uncertain, praise becomes a declaration of faith that God is still good and still working.
Father, it’s not easy to praise You right now. But I choose to believe that You are still worthy. Even in my questions and pain, I know You are near. Thank You for peace that doesn’t make sense and doesn’t depend on my situation. I trust You and praise You, even right now. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. A Prayer of Praise for God’s Goodness and Mercy
God’s love never runs out. His love is never based on our performance. He welcomes us with kindness, again and again. When you pause to reflect on that truth, praise begins to flow naturally.
Holy God, I praise You for Your great mercy. Thank You for loving me with a love that never runs out. Your goodness and grace cover every mistake and every fear. You are slow to anger and rich in love. I thank You for who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. A Prayer of Praise for God’s Presence in All the World
When we praise God, we join with believers across the world. All over the earth, people worship God through songs and prayers of praise. So let’s thank Him for His cross-cultural, global presence that will one day stretch to every tribe, tongue, and nation.
Lord, I praise You not just for what You’ve done in my life, but for who You are to all people everywhere. Thank You for bringing the good news to me, and for bringing it all over the world. I praise You for our global family, the Church, and all You continue to do through us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Keep Praising, Even When It Feels Small
God is always good, and always worthy of our praise. So make a habit of praising God on the good days, bad days, and ordinary days too!