Looking for a new and creative way to let the Lord know how excited you are about knowing Him? In your journal, try the ABCs of Praise. The concept is simple: just write the alphabet down the left side of the page (use extra pages if you need to). Give yourself at least two lines so you have some room to be creative. Now, for each letter, think of a word, phrase or even a sentence that begins that way to praise the Lord.  Consider His attributes, and all he has done for you and for the world.

This simple exercise not only will expand your prayer vocabulary a bit, but it will also set you to searching for more wonderful attributes of God. It’s great for those times when your heart is so full of wonder and amazement that it’s hard to know where to begin.

But what if you have trouble with some of the tough letters? How in the world can you come up with praises for J, Q, X and Z? I’ve got a few ideas. If you need help, try these on for size: Judge, Just, Quick, Quality, and Zealous.  All of that leaves us with X, the most challenging letter of all. You could look for some obscure X word known only to Scrabble players and crossword fanatics, or you could give yourself permission to use a word that sounds like it starts with X, such as “exciting” or “exquisite.”

Best of all, when you are done, you will have a ready-made prayer of praise! Just read your list of ways to praise God out loud. You’ll want to return to it again and again, so put this one somewhere in your journal where it is easy to find.