“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”

Psalm 100:4

When we come to God in prayer, it’s so natural to lead with our needs. The burdens feel
urgent. The situations feel heavy. But I’ve learned that one of the most powerful ways to
begin is not with requests—but with praise.

Praise shifts everything.

Scripture tells us that God inhabits the praises of His people. When we praise Him,
we’re not just saying kind words—we’re inviting His presence into our situation. And
when His presence fills the space, perspective changes. Our focus moves from
ourselves and onto Him… where it belongs.

There’s a reason praise feels like a battle strategy—because it is.

I once saw a church sign that said, “Don’t tell God how big your mountain is; tell your
mountain how big your God is!”

That has stayed with me for years. Because it’s true. No situation, no diagnosis, no
uncertainty is bigger than Him. Not one.

He is more than enough for every single need we carry. And sometimes, we just
need help remembering that.

One simple tool that has deeply shaped my own prayer life is something I call an A–Z
praise list. Years ago, when God was teaching me that prayer is about relationship—not
just requests—I started writing down His attributes from A to Z.

“A” for Almighty.
“B” for Bread of Life.
“C” for Comforter…

Over time, that list has grown. The page is worn now—edges frayed; ink faded in
places—but it’s still one of the most meaningful parts of my journal. It reminds me of
who God is, even when life feels uncertain.

And that’s the beauty of praise—it anchors us in truth.

So if you’re not sure where to start today, begin there. Start with who God is. Open your
journal and create your own A–Z list. Let it become your personal storehouse of praise.

Because when we remember who He is, we’re strengthened to trust Him with whatever
we’re facing.

This rhythm of prayer, praise, and daily connection is exactly what we walk through
together in Knowing God: Establishing a Daily Walk with Him, a 7-week Bible study I’ve
written to help you grow in a consistent, meaningful relationship with the Lord.

If your heart is longing for deeper connection—not just more knowledge, but true
intimacy with Him—we would love for you to join us.

Come as you are, and let’s learn—together—what it looks like to walk with Him daily.

KNOWING GOD: ESTABLISHING A DAILY WALK WITH HIM
7-Week Study by Tara Furman

Thursdays, beginning June 4, 2026
Led by Tamara Giles

Do you struggle with establishing or maintaining a consistent quiet time? Is your prayer life stale? Are you in need of a fresh touch from God?