Praise Works

What often seems to be a tragedy is for our own good, and if we can praise God no matter what, it can turn out to be the most wonderful blessing in the world.

This rich collection celebrates 23 biblical women, from the familiar Sarah, Miriam, Ruth, and Esther, to the more mysterious Hatzlelponi mother of Samson) and the unnamed "Wife of Ovadiah." Based on the 13th-century Yemenite Midrash ha-Gadol (literally, the Great Midrash) -- a work only partially translated into English and, until now, virtually unknown to American Jews -- this new volume presents stories, commentaries, original monologues, and discussion topics touching upon the lives of Jewish women today. Penina Adelman became captivated by Midrash ha-Gadol while seeking a new ritual to perform before her daughter's bat mitzvah. She eventually enlisted a group of writers to join her in studying the midrash. These women agreed to step inside the Bible and "become" some of their ancestors. The resulting book is an unusual encounter among remarkable biblical women -- from different time periods and walks of life -- who are able to converse directly with one another and the reader. As the writers probe the hearts and minds of the biblical characters, they provide an insightful, behind-the-scenes look into the relationships of women whose feelings and actions have inspired readers throughout the ages. This book is a beautiful example of the way today's scholars are using midrash to weave together Jewish tradition and modern society. In the original Yemenite midrash, each of the women is linked to a line from the poem in Proverbs, "Eishet Chayil" (Women of Valor) -- the poem often sung at Jewish weddings by the groom to the bride and at the traditional Shabbat table by a husband to his wife, and recited at a Jewish woman's funeral. In this new book, the reader is invited to experience the blending of the familiar poem with the previously unexplored treasure trove of Midrash ha-Gadol and the new voices for each character. This extraordinary combination makes it ideal for Jewish educators, teen and adult study groups, readers of midrash, and scholars in the fields of women's studies and contemporary spirituality. It also makes a lovely gift for brides, mothers, and grandmothers.

Since art is essential to the love of one’s neighbor as oneself and to love’s chief goal of building up one another, we cannot understand love without also understanding its art. Observing that praise is ubiquitous in Søren Kierkegaard’s writings, Richard McCombs interprets Kierkegaard’s Works of Love as a eulogy of love’s arts of forgiveness, peace-making, and building up one’s neighbor in maturity and charity. Kierkegaard stresses love's ability to achieve results, calling love irresistible and almost magical in overcoming obstacles to its purposes; living the life of faith and love involves skillful attention to the specificity of the episodes in an individual’s life, and the creative imagining of new ways of enacting these virtues. McCombs argues that Kierkegaard’s ideas about the art of love reveal limits or exceptions to his individualism and to his anti-consequentialism in ethics. Art and Praise in Kierkegaard’s Works of Love explores Kierkegaard’s distinct praises of love through texts like Works of Love, The Brothers Karamazov, and Middlemarch to illustrate, complement, and sometimes correct Kierkegaard’s profound account of love’s art and wisdom, suggesting ways that the art of praise bears on other questions in aesthetics, ethics, and religion.

Bassali gently inspires readers to appreciate and adore the Lord in every situation, even in the midst of pain, heartache, and disappointment. A deeper intimacy with God, a greater love for Him, and a heartfelt desire to praise and thank him will be the sure reward.

Praise works wonders! If you have prayed, fasted, done all you know to do but still expecting results, then switch to praise. Praise is a spiritual dynamite. It is a spiritual force that brings God into your circumstances. Praise will bring you deliverance, it will win your battles, it will promote you, and will bring you your long awaited miracles. Answers to prayers may be delayed, like in Daniel's case (Daniel 10:13); but praise will break any barrier, and speed up your answers. Praise will cause you to experience the presence and glory of God. It changes you and fills you with love for God and others. Praise Works! expatiates on the meaning, ways and benefits of praise, as well as touching on other praise topics to help you understand the power of praise, and apply it in your personal life.

Today many believers desire to know God more intimately, and enjoy the blessings that come in His Presence. Praise Goeth Before Thee is a spiritual, uplifting book that reveals the power of praise. The purpose of this book is to help the believer intensify his or her walk with the Lord. God formed us, created us for a special purpose. His purpose is to preserve the remembrance of His name, to transmit the knowledge of the true God through all generations, and to celebrate His praise in all the earth. It is therefore our duty to show forth or demonstrate His praise, not only with our lips, but also in our lives, by giving ourselves to His service.

There’s Dynamite in Praise Health, prosperity, salvation, and safety--all of these things are prime targets of the Enemy. But all that has been lost or stolen from you can be restored in the midst of praise! Within the pages of this book, Don Gossett describes how you can.... Receive miraculous and instantaneous healing Break the bands of poverty and hunger permanently Experience complete deliverance from harmful habits Triumph over every strategy of the Devil Regain all that the Enemy has stolen Win life’s battles in prayer and praise. Praise can bring life where there was death, freedom where there was bondage, and divine joy where there was sorrow. When you learn to praise God at all times and in all circumstances, you will experience a truly victorious life, and He will work wonders on your behalf. Discover the tremendous power that awaits you in learning to praise the Lord!