Praise Him

Praise Him, written by Lynn DeShazo, sounds almost like a description of the kind of worship gathering Terry MacAlmon has always wanted to lead. The people have assembled to praise the One they love. They join the chorus of heaven, come before the throne of grace, seek the Father's face, listen for His voice and rejoice together. The congregation is not an audience in that picture. It is the worshipping body.

That is exactly why the song fits Terry's ministry so well. He has written strongly against a "sit back and let the platform do it" mentality in church. In his view, the people of God are the true worshippers. The role of the worship leader is to awaken the Bride, choose songs that help her respond, and then stay out of the way of the Holy Spirit. Praise Him gives the congregation an active role from the first line.

Terry has used the song in World Prayer Center worship and later included it on You're My Glory. It brings joyful corporate praise into a ministry often associated with intimate, extended worship. That balance is important. God's presence is not only encountered in quietness; there is also a biblical place for a gathered people lifting their voices together.

For Terry, Praise Him works because its energy still has a destination. The excitement does not terminate in the music. The people are assembled for Someone. Their voices join heaven's chorus, their attention turns toward the Father, and praise becomes another vehicle that carries the whole room toward His presence.