Isaiah 61:1-3, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 10:4-5, “We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. (NLT)

2 Samuel 6:14, “And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment.” (NLT)

Psalms 34:1, “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” (NLT)

Acts 16:25-26, “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” (NLT)

Psalms 63:3-5, “Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.” (NLT)

• Reflect on a time when the Lord challenged your attitude. Write down the truths that were revealed.
• Why is it important to praise God in all circumstances?
• Do you think complaining is an enemy of praise? Why or why not?
• What are some specific actions we can take to put on the garment of praise (i.e. dancing, shouting).
• Is praise just a mental exercise or does it require a physical expression? Explain your reasoning.

Look for opportunities this week to praise God, especially when you don’t feel like it. Make a conscious effort to put on the garment of praise.