Praise Time Ideas

Praise Time Activities

1. SONG-BASED ACTIVITIES

Sing "Thank You, Lord, for Saving My Soul" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.5). Make up new lines in this way: (Everyone:) "Thank You, Lord" (Person 1:) "for our nice Home!" (Everyone:) "Thank You, Lord" (Person 2:) "for fixing the phone!" (Everyone:) "Thank You Lord, for giving us all," (Person 3:) "another new day to love You more!"

Sing "O That Men Would Praise the Lord" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.6). List ten of the wonderful works that the Lord does for the "children of men," for example, sunshine, friends, a healthy body, etc. Then sing the song again and list some of the wonderful works the Lord has done for you personally over the past week or month, or even just so far today! Thank Him for them, singing the song again to end your praise time, if you wish.

Turn to the song "Everybody Oughtta Know" (Praise Time, Vol.1, pg.7). Now turn to the "Names of Jesus" list on page 11of this FSM. Can you make up a new verse to this song using these names? (You could have one person be the leader, and call out different names of Jesus, while everyone else repeats them in song.)

Sing "You've Done Great Things for Us" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.10). Make up more verses to this song, naming some of the things He's done for you. (If you can't make the verses up in song, just call them out in praise and sing the song again!)

Sing "Jesus Is Here" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.10) through twice. Now thank Jesus for the ways that we have "Heaven below." For example, "Thank You that we have each other." "Thank You for unity." "Thank You for healing," etc.

Sing Psalm 150, "Praise Ye the Lord" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.11). Get out your "musical instruments" (pretend with hand motions and sound effects) and use them as you sing this Psalm. If you're praising in a group, act out having a trumpet section, a psaltery and harp section, a timbrel and dance section, an organ section, and a cymbal section.

Sing "Thank You for the Sunshine" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.11). Have one person be the leader, with each line repeated by all. Have the leader make up more verses to it.

Sing "Praise Him, Praise Him, All Ye Little Children" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.11), making up new verses by replacing "God is Love" with something you're thankful for, or something to praise Jesus for. For example, "Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children, for His mercy, for His mercy! Love Him, love Him, all ye little children, for loving us, for loving us!" Continue in this way through all the verses.

Sing Psalm 121, "I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.16). After singing, praise the Lord for things expressed in this song, such as a specific way that He didn't "suffer your foot to be moved" or how He did help your "going out and coming in."

Sing the first verse and the chorus of "How Great Thou Art" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.17). Now pause to give the Lord thanks for things that have to do with His world, such as specific countries or peoples of the world, specific continents and oceans, specific stars, or even for the excitement of lightning and thunder. Then sing the second verse all about the woods and forests and the birds singing in the trees. After singing the chorus again, stop to thank Him for things to do with nature. For instance, the different types of trees, how He's given the birds the instinct to migrate to warmer climates during the cold winter, etc. As you sing the third verse and chorus, praise God for His great Love in not sparing His Son even though it hurt Him. Praise Jesus for how that, even though He knew from the beginning what He would have to go through on Earth, He still did it. After you sing the fourth verse and chorus, praise in tongues together.

Sing Psalm 34:1-4, "I Will Bless the Lord" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.17). Thank the Lord for specific answers to prayer ("I sought the Lord and He heard me"). Go on to thank Him for the way He's delivered you from "all your fears"—all the things He's kept and protected you from.

Sing Psalm 100, "Make a Joyful Noise" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.19). The Lord calls us "sheep of His pasture," so read or quote Psalm 23 and then thank Him for things relating to it. For instance, "Thank You Jesus for leading me on the right path like Your sheep," "Thank You, Lord, for Your wonderful supply," "Thank You that my cup runs over with Your joy," etc.

Sing "Let's Talk About Jesus" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.21). Choose five names of Jesus from this song and praise Him by blessing His Name. For example, "I love You for being my Shepherd. Thank You that You were willing to be the Lamb sacrificed for me. Thank You for being God's Word to me!"

Sing "Until Then" (Praise Time, Vol.1, pg.24). Thank Jesus for the many things you know will happen in Heaven. For example, you'll be able to see loved ones again, to fly and read other people's thoughts, etc.

Sing "This Is the Day" (Praise Time, Vol.1, pg.24). Thank the Lord for specific things that have happened to you today, and also things that have happened worldwide today. For example, all the babies brought into the world, the people who have died and gone to Heaven, the many unseen miracles of protection, for how the sun came up again, etc.

Sing "We've Got a Lot to Be Thankful For" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.24). Have people spontaneously, or by turn, contribute new phrases, for example, "We've got good food!" and then everyone joins in.

Sing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" (Praise Time, Vol.1, pg.30). Take some quiet time to think about how the Lord's been faithful to you, and then thank and praise Him out loud for specific examples of His faithfulness.

Sing "I Can't Pay You Back, Lord" (Praise Time, Vol.1, pg.41), then tell Jesus the things that He's done for you that you can't pay Him back for.

Sing "I Will Sing unto the Lord a New Song" (see Family video, "Inspiration with Uncle Zeb #1"). After each person sings their part, they stop and praise the Lord for something before going on to the next person.

Sing "I'm So Glad That I Found Jesus," and take turns adding new verses, such as, "I'm so glad that we have a garden," and "I'm glad that it's nice and green!" (The lines don't necessarily have to rhyme.)

Sing the old Christian song called "Amen" (from the movie "Lilies of the Field"). Everyone sings along and people take turns singing a verse something like this,

(solo:) Thank you for Your Love

(everyone:) Amen

(solo:) that comes from Above

(everyone:) Amen

(solo:) and for Your care

(everyone:) Amen, Amen, Amen.

The soloist then calls another person's name, and they take over the solo part, thinking of things to be thankful for.

Sing whatever songs or lines from songs that you can think of (in the space of five minutes) that have the Name of Jesus in them.

Sing all the songs or lines from songs that you can think of (in the space of five minutes) that have the word "happy" or "happiness" or "joy" in them, while praising the Lord in your heart for the happiness He gives us.

Sing all the songs you can think of (in the space of five minutes) that talk about Heaven and the blessings and wonders in store for us There.

Listen to (and sing along with) one or two songs from a loving Jesus-type song tape. Some ideas: "My Heart...Your Home," "Fear Not," "When You Need Him Most," "Sunbeams and Shadows," "Heavenly Sunshine," "Dad's Songs of Heaven," "Dad's Songs of Love," etc.

Use musical instruments to sing praises to the Lord (for example, shakers, tambourines, guitars, drums, etc.). Everyone pick an instrument and join in!

2. WORD-BASED ACTIVITIES

Read Psalm 139:14: "I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Discuss the meaning of the verse, and then thank the Lord for specific things about your body and how He made it to be of use to you. For instance, "Thank You for my toes, and how they help me to balance my body when I stand." "Thank You for my index finger and how I can point with it." "Thank You for my knees and how they bend so I can run!"

Read Good Thots 1, pg.580:7. Then thank the Lord for all the troubles we don't have. Name specific things!

Read Good Thots 1, pg.587:62. Thank the Lord for the beautiful songs He's given to us in our Family.—Name specific songs you like.

Thank the Lord for the multitude of pubs He's given us. Take time to thank Him for some of your favorites, such as a certain Life with Grandpa story, or a Power and Protection story that touched you, or an MLK or Hope TK, or Christmas story. Try to think of specific titles to thank Him for.

Thank the Lord for all the Word He's poured out to us in the Family. We not only have the Bible, but Dad's words, and now Mama's Letters where she passes on so much prophecy. Thank the Lord specifically for your favorite Letters, giving their titles if you can.

Read the "Jewelry House" prophecy ("State of the Nation '95," GN 654, pg.11). Now thank the Lord for leading Mama to such a rich new vein of precious jewels!

Look up "Count Your Blessings" (KTK 3, pg.173). Page 1: Read the first paragraph, and then take a few moments to count some blessings. Read the rest of the page and then sing, "If You Really Wanna Knock the Devil for a Loop" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.5). Page 2: Read the first paragraph and count a few more blessings. Read the next portion and quote (or read) three praise verses. Read the last paragraph and sing a short praise chorus, such as "Count Your Blessings" (Praise Time, Vol.1, pg.7).

Record ahead of time a drama tape of thankfulness or praise stories, for example, "Ol' Hallelujah," "Dime from the Sky," or "Fanny Crosby" to listen to at Praise Time. Or, record praise verses and quotes.

Look up "The Power of Positive Praise" (KTK 4, pg.413). Page 1: Read the first paragraph and sing "Praise Your Way Through" (also known as "Keep On Believing"). Read the rest of the page, and choose or pull two or three praise verses to read. Turn to page 4: Pray the prayer along with Grandpa, and end by singing "Standing on the Promises" (Praise Time, Vol.1, pg.22).

Look up "Count Your Blessings" (Hope TK 16). Turn to page 7: Read the first paragraph on the page, then praise in tongues, visualizing Jesus in your mind's eye.

Look up "God Hates Murmuring" (Hope TK 8). Turn to page 17: Read the last paragraph on the page, praying along with Grandpa. Then, sing "Every Day with You" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.4).

Look up "God Hates Murmuring" (Hope TK 8). Turn to page 19: Read the last paragraph on the page, praying along with Grandpa. Then, sing "Everyday's Getting Better" (Praise Time, Vol. 1, pg.4).

Pray a praise poem! There are many to choose from in the Rhyme Book (see list on page 9 of this FSM) or in the Good Thots section "Communion with God: Praise and Thankfulness" (Good Thots 1, pg.580) or Praise Time, Vol. 2 and 3 (coming soon, DV).

Using a promise box of praise verses, each one chooses one or two verses, and prays them.

3. PRAISE TIME THEMES

People

Thank the Lord for people who have lived on this Earth that you got to know through the pubs. For example, Al Capone and how he found the Lord and is in Heaven now (Life of Grandpa, pg.415), or the way Dad prayed Tchaikovsky into Paradise (Life of Grandpa 20, pg.2). Think of specific people to thank Him for.

Thank the Lord for people you know of whom He's taken to Heaven, such as Family members or other Christians that you can imagine are a real help to the Lord and Grandpa now. Think of specific things about them to thank Him for, such as, "Thank You that You gave Fanny Crosby the grace to endure her blindness on this Earth, and that now she can see!" "Thank You for all the lessons you taught us through Libby's Homegoing, and that now she can be happy with You and Grandpa!"

Think of the people in your Home and some of the things they do, and thank the Lord for them. For instance, "Thank You Jesus that Uncle John makes story time exciting by reading with different voices." "Thank You that Auntie Gloria cooks such delicious meals!"

Thank the Lord for specific people in the Family that you don't know personally—people you've read about or heard testimonies about.

For children and teens: Think of a role model you have, somebody you'd like to be like (maybe a parent, uncle, aunt, or a teen or YA you know who is serving the Lord and is a good sample to you) and then thank the Lord for something about them that you admire and that you also would like the Lord to help you be like.

Appreciation Praise Time: Each person thank the Lord for something about the one on your left. If you're a small group and you still have time, go around again, and thank the Lord for something about the person on your right, then for the person across from you, etc. Or, take one person at a time and have everyone else thank the Lord for something about them, until each person in the room has been covered.

Have someone go around and whisper in each person's ear the name of someone to thank the Lord for (or draw names from a hat). Then have silent Praise Time, where you think about that person and thank the Lord for something special about them. After Praise Time, you could even write a little note to that person, telling them what it is you appreciate about them!

Thank the Lord for the friends and contacts your Home is ministering to.

Bible

Choose a character in the Bible, and thank the Lord for him or her and for what they did for the Lord. For instance, "Thank You Jesus for how You chose David, and how he trusted in You when he was a young boy, instead of in the armies of men."

Pick a favorite Bible story or character and have conversational Praise Time, thanking the Lord for how He worked things out for that person or situation way back then. For instance, "Thank You for Joseph, and how You worked everything out for his good." "Thank You for the gift of interpretation that You gave him." "Thank You for teaching him wisdom." "Thank You for using him to save Your children," etc.

Thank the Lord for someone in the Bible that begins with the same letter as your name.

Romans 8:28

Think of specific times when it seemed like things were going wrong, but the Lord later got a victory out of them, and thank the Lord for them! For instance, "Thank You for the rain the other day that made us stay home, and we caught up on our mail ministry." "Thank You that because Daddy lost his pouch at the gas station, when he went back there he got to lead the precious gas station manager who found it to You, Lord."

4. MISCELLANEOUS

Seasonal: Thank the Lord for all the things that have to do with a specific season. For example, winter (icicles, snowflakes, sleds, hot chocolate milk, etc.). Do the same for summer, spring, and autumn!

Dress-up: Think about the different characters you and others have dressed up as in dress-up parties, and thank the Lord for them. For example, "Thank You Jesus for Pandita Ramabai, and how You helped her to give her life to feed Your Word to her people," "Thank You for the Pied Piper and the talent You gave him to lead Your children with his music."

Spirit trip: Everyone shut your eyes and have someone lead in a "spirit trip," taking you out through space, up to the moon, into the Heavenly City, through His courts (at this point everyone can join in, coming into His courts with praise), until you reach Jesus' feet, at which point different ones can take turns approaching the Lord with specific praises and thanksgiving.

Animals: Pray this rhyme: "Love and praise to You we give, By Whose Love all creatures live!" (Rhyme Book, pg.276). Now thank the Lord for various animals and for specific things about them. For example, "Thank You for our dog, and for how he helps to guard us." "Thank You for the funny-looking giraffes with their long necks." "Thank You for monkeys and how they make us laugh!"

All go outside and find things in God's creation to praise the Lord for.

Thank the Lord for the answered prayers listed in your local and worldwide prayer lists.

Think about the things you enjoy, and thank the Lord for them. For example, "Thank You for making cocoa so that we can have chocolate milk." "Thank You for making water so refreshing." "Thank You that You gave us strong legs so we can run and play!"

Thank the Lord for your favorite foods!

Thank Him for the special activities you get to do.

Take a quiet moment to think about the following question: What do we have that money can't buy? (Some examples: the Words of David, a loving Family, the gift of healing, the gift of hearing from Him directly.) Now, thank the Lord for these and more that you think of yourself.

Can you praise in rhyme? Try it! For instance, one person says, "Thank You Jesus for the sunshine," and then the next person continues, "And also for our pretty vine!" The next person can start a new set, "Thank You for a lovely day," "And that we can go out and play!"

All blow kisses to Jesus, clap for Jesus, etc.

Pull-Ups: Sit in a circle. One person stands up and praises the Lord for something, and then pulls up another person (of his choice), who praises the Lord for something else and pulls up someone else, till everyone in the circle is standing. Then all raise hands and praise the Lord together.

Praise by Color: For example, "Thank You Lord for the green grass, green apples, green trees," etc. You could go around the circle till you run out of items of one color, and the next person starts a new color of his choice.

Praise by Numbers: For example, "Thank You for our one stove." "Thank You for our two cats." "Thank You for our three OCs," up till 10 (or whatever number you choose)!

Look at Jesus: The first person to praise the Lord holds a picture of Jesus, and says something directly to Him. (This would be an ideal time to praise Him for Who He is, using the "Name of Jesus" list!—See pg.11.) Then he passes the picture to the person of his choice, who says something to Jesus, and continues passing it on.

Praise Cards: For toddlers, have a pre-prepared set of praise cards, each card with a picture and one or two words. For example, you could have cards with illustrations of Grandpa, Mama Maria, King Peter, their parents, babies, a dog, birds (or any pets you may have), cooks, handymen, a toy, bananas (or other foods they like), the stars, etc!

Praise "Offerings": Have a picture of Jesus with a basket underneath and give the toddlers pictures or drawings of things they are thankful for. Each one can then take a turn bringing these "praises" to Jesus by "laying them at Jesus' feet" in the basket under the picture of Jesus. This idea can also be used by the older children, by getting blank slips of paper, and then either writing out or drawing little pictures of things they want to thank Jesus for.

Tag-It: Go to a certain room, or even better, out in the yard, and walk to an item you want to thank the Lord for. As you "tag it," say out loud, "Thank You for this _________!" and then go to something else, tag it, and say it out loud. Having several people doing this at the same time gets to be quite lively and fun!

Alphabetical Praises: Thank the Lord for as many things as you can think of starting with a certain letter or phonetic sound.

ABC Praise: Go around, each one naming something they're thankful for in alphabetical order. For example, the first person may say, "Angelic protection," and the next person, "Happy babies," etc.

Alphabet Cards: Using a set of alphabet letters, take turns choosing a letter and praise the Lord for something beginning with the letter(s) you choose.

ABC Praise List: Make a written list of as many things as you can think of to praise the Lord for, for each letter of the alphabet. Post the list on your bulletin board. You could work on making the list during several Praise Times, and then refer to it from time to time in future Praise Times. For example, A: apples, Aunt Alice... B: balloons, bread, bathtub, barbecue...

'Round the Circle: Go around the circle, with each person doing a different type of praise: one could pick verses, one could do ABC Praise, one could sing a song, one could read praise quotes, etc.

"I Love You" Praises: Go around and count your blessings, each person beginning by saying, "I love You Jesus! Thank You for..."

Hugging Praise: One person praises, and then hugs the person of their choice, who then praises. Continue until each person has had a turn to "hug and praise."

One Word Chain Praise: The first person starts with one word, next person another word, and so on until a full praise sentence has been made. "Thank" "You" "dear" "Jesus" "for" "supplying" "all" "our" "needs!"

Two-by-Two Praises: Everyone hold hands two by two and praise quietly together.