What is the Difference Between Praise and Thanksgiving?

The difference between praise and thanksgiving lies in the focus of the expression of gratitude:

• Praise is the act of complimenting and admiring God for who He is and for His virtues. It is centered on acknowledging His perfections, works, and attributes. Praise is expressing admiration for God's character.
• Thanksgiving is the act of expressing gratitude to God for the specific gifts and blessings He has bestowed upon us. It is centered on being grateful for what God has done, such as providing food, a home, a family, or a job. Thanksgiving is so tangible, like being grateful for a puppy, a bike, or a meal.

While both praise and thanksgiving are essential components of the Christian life and are often used interchangeably, they serve different purposes in prayer and worship. Praise focuses on God's character, while thanksgiving focuses on the blessings God has given us. In practice, praise and thanksgiving often go hand in hand, as praising God for who He is can lead to a deeper sense of gratitude for what He has done.

Comparative Table: Praise vs Thanksgiving

Here is a table comparing the differences between praise and thanksgiving:

In summary, praise is about expressing admiration and love for God's character, while thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for the benefits and blessings we receive from Him.