By Michael Youssef
WaterBrook Press
Colorado Springs, Colorado
2002 US $14.99
Reviewed by Claire L. Eva, Assistant Director, General Conference Stewardship Ministries
In the introduction to this work, Michael Youssef quotes from C. S. Lewis’s Reflections on the Psalms: “…Only in the act of worship and praise can a person learn to believe in the goodness and the greatness of God. God wants us to praise him, not because he needs or craves, in any sense, our flattery. But because he knows that praise creates joy and thankfulness.” (pp. 93-95.)
On this foundation, Youssef develops the four parts of his book: 1) The Blessings of Praise, 1) The Challenges of Praise, 3) The Elements of Praise and 4) The Power of Praise. The author shares how praise brings God near and connects us to heaven, how it touches our deepest emotions, overcomes negative circumstances, and wars against our pride. And, from a biblical stewardship perspective, he explains how praise involves generous giving. The work ends with a very helpful study guide!