My friend Branon and I were talking about the issue of praise. He shared a story with me about a pastor friend of his who was confronted on this issue by some visitors from somewhere in Africa (Uganda, I think). They told him that Americans do not know how to praise because we do not have an earthly king. We elect our leadership and can vote them in or out based on the desire of the people. The visitor told the pastor that in his country, people would stand outside the castle walls and shout the praise of the king, hoping that the king would hear and invite them in and ask what he could do for them. Basically, they hope to gain the king's favor by flattery. Contrast that with our Heavenly Father and King, who is Lord and sovereign over the entire universe. We cannot earn his favor, yet he loves us and invites us into his presence.

I was so moved by that story that I had to write this song. I hope you enjoy:

Lift Your Praise Higher
by Toby Baxley
© Copyright 2008 Toby Baxley (admin. by www.praisecharts.com)

Kings of earth will rise and fall, but you, O Lord, are God who reigns eternal,
Who can fathom all your ways, or stand beside the holy King of Heaven;
Lord above the universe, sovereign over all of your creation,
[and] Now we gather here before your throne, to join our hearts and voices and sing...

We lift your praise higher, shout it out louder, Jesus alone is truly King;
We bow down before you, love and adore, you are the song we want to sing;
We lay down our lives, and lift your praise higher.

Heav'n and earth will pass away but, Lord, your holy Word will live forever,
And we don't deserve your favor, Lord, but you love us with a love no pow'r can sever;
You sent your only Son to us, who traded his own life to pay our ransom,
[and] Now we gather here before your throne, to join the ancient song of the redeemed...

Jesus! You alone are truly King. Jesus! You're the song we want to sing.