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Praise God and Thank Him: Biblical Keys for a Joyful Life
The Bible holds many keys for living a joyful life, and praise and thanksgiving are two of the most powerful. Jeff Cavins explains what biblical praise is and how it can transform any difficulty and lead to a deeper trust in God. He shows how thanksgiving—the attitude of gratitude—is a natural expression of praising God, and he provides practical tips for incorporating it into your life.
The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via
The audio edition of this book can be downloaded via
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1900
35 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Cavins
101 books171 followersAfter twelve years as a Protestant pastor, Jeff returned to the Catholic Church under the guidance of Bishop Paul Dudley. His conversion story, one of the best known and inspiring stories of its kind, is chronicled in the best-selling book, My Life on the Rock.
Over the past several decades, Jeff has dedicated his life to developing The Great Adventure: A Journey through the Bible, a practical, interactive program that helps people read the “big picture” of God’s plan in Sacred Scripture and understand its meaning for their lives. The Great Adventure presents the entire sweep of the Bible in a way that is easy to understand and genuinely fun. Its unique Bible Timeline learning system has revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for hundreds of thousands of Catholics since 1995.
Jeff received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Over the past several decades, Jeff has dedicated his life to developing The Great Adventure: A Journey through the Bible, a practical, interactive program that helps people read the “big picture” of God’s plan in Sacred Scripture and understand its meaning for their lives. The Great Adventure presents the entire sweep of the Bible in a way that is easy to understand and genuinely fun. Its unique Bible Timeline learning system has revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for hundreds of thousands of Catholics since 1995.
Jeff received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 22, 2022
I read this in a very difficult transition in my life. But keeping this in mind as I go through my life stage transition keeps me grounded and focused on God. I would say that this book came at the right time for me to read it. I particularly like the part on praising God since that’s what I seem to need now but haven’t really done quite well in the past. Talk about learning to fly while you’re falling fast!
But this really made me focused on God, in praising and giving Him thanks in a difficult time of my life. Indeed, this book also reminds us to praise and thank Him in all circumstances. It was just a blessing to have this as my guide as I went through what I was going through.
I like how Jeff Cavins balanced his ideas with personal stories or examples. He also added actionable tips to praise and give thanks to God. Highly recommended to all those who want to upgrade their prayers with praise and thanksgiving to God.
But this really made me focused on God, in praising and giving Him thanks in a difficult time of my life. Indeed, this book also reminds us to praise and thank Him in all circumstances. It was just a blessing to have this as my guide as I went through what I was going through.
I like how Jeff Cavins balanced his ideas with personal stories or examples. He also added actionable tips to praise and give thanks to God. Highly recommended to all those who want to upgrade their prayers with praise and thanksgiving to God.
October 1, 2014
Praise God and Thank Him is the latest book by Catholic Biblical scholar Jeff Cavins. I must admit the subtitle "Biblical Keys for a Joyful Life" gave me pause, but I trusted the author enough I gave his book a shot. Before I continue with my review, let me dispel any fears, and assure you that this book is not "prosperity gospel" at all. Instead, this book looks to teach the reader the keys to joy, not happiness, which is a shallow emotion, but true joy, which comes from God. Mr. Cavins reminds us in the introduction that there will always be problems. We can choose to respond to these problems negatively, or we can "Praise God and Thank Him!"
The book is logically divided into two parts - Praise and Thanksgiving. Each part is five chapters long and closes with a section of "Ten Tips." Mr. Cavins could have taken many approaches with this book. He could have done a strictly Biblical approach to this book, and it would have worked for me. However, he chose to add in some personal stories, Catechism references, and Patristics (always a plus) to give a more complete picture. Overall, I think the most interesting chapter to me dealt with the many Hebrew words for praise. We all know that there are several words for love in the Bible, but very few of us (myself included) know that there are many words for praise in the Bible. They are yadah, halal, shabach, barak, zamar, todah, and kavanah, There are also many postures for praise including standing, kneeling, and falling down to name a few.
Hands down, the most useful sections of the book are the "Ten Tips" at the end of each part. You'll be given tips like, "Start seeing qualities and deeds in others that are praiseworthy," and "Voluntarily fast from something you take for granted." With reflection questions at the end of every chapter, the book is structured in a way that you can use this for individual study or small group study. There are also appendices with Bible verses on praise and thankfulness. You'll have to look them up to read them, as just their citation is in the book, not the actual verse, but I recommend reading through them and finding a couple to memorize. They will prove most useful when life's problems want to weigh you down. I recommend this book and hope that I can take some/all of the tips to heart, so that I can live a more joyful life filled with praise and thanksgiving to God.
The book is logically divided into two parts - Praise and Thanksgiving. Each part is five chapters long and closes with a section of "Ten Tips." Mr. Cavins could have taken many approaches with this book. He could have done a strictly Biblical approach to this book, and it would have worked for me. However, he chose to add in some personal stories, Catechism references, and Patristics (always a plus) to give a more complete picture. Overall, I think the most interesting chapter to me dealt with the many Hebrew words for praise. We all know that there are several words for love in the Bible, but very few of us (myself included) know that there are many words for praise in the Bible. They are yadah, halal, shabach, barak, zamar, todah, and kavanah, There are also many postures for praise including standing, kneeling, and falling down to name a few.
Hands down, the most useful sections of the book are the "Ten Tips" at the end of each part. You'll be given tips like, "Start seeing qualities and deeds in others that are praiseworthy," and "Voluntarily fast from something you take for granted." With reflection questions at the end of every chapter, the book is structured in a way that you can use this for individual study or small group study. There are also appendices with Bible verses on praise and thankfulness. You'll have to look them up to read them, as just their citation is in the book, not the actual verse, but I recommend reading through them and finding a couple to memorize. They will prove most useful when life's problems want to weigh you down. I recommend this book and hope that I can take some/all of the tips to heart, so that I can live a more joyful life filled with praise and thanksgiving to God.
March 30, 2022
A very simple reminder to continuously praise and thank God with many practical tips on how to make it a daily habit.
August 14, 2014
I bought this without previewing it first and am glad I own it so I can refer back to it. If you consider the writing style of 1000 Gifts as a kind of experience of living praise and thanksgiving, this is more of an instruction manual. There are still some beautiful passages, but Cavins offers a much more structured, methodical explanation and defense of biblical praise and thanksgiving. Each chapter ends with several discussion questions, and each section (one on praise and one on thanksgiving) offers practical tips for learning to live in and pray from this spiritual place. I don't think there are many books like this, and I really got a lot out of it.
January 10, 2016
One of my favorite authors... this book teaches us to raise and thank God always... even in times of sufferings and tribulations.... A must read book,,
March 9, 2017
I especially enjoyed the first half on praise. The idea of praise is said often, but explained less. Thanking God is easier because it's tied to a specific event usually, but praising God is simply telling about who He is more than what He has done, though the two are overlapping. I want to reread that first section on praise because I know it will carry me over rough patches of life with a lighter, more hopeful spirit.
August 28, 2024
This book was a blessing before i finished it
The book was short and sweet. It explained the beauty and gift in noticing the little things to be grateful for. Noticing those little things allows you to feel God in all that you do. All that surrounds you. There is goodness in pain, in slowing down to talk to God. I do not do this quick read justice. BUT if you are seeking peace in God this is a good book to help with what you are thirsting for.
The book was short and sweet. It explained the beauty and gift in noticing the little things to be grateful for. Noticing those little things allows you to feel God in all that you do. All that surrounds you. There is goodness in pain, in slowing down to talk to God. I do not do this quick read justice. BUT if you are seeking peace in God this is a good book to help with what you are thirsting for.
August 25, 2024
A nice simple read. This book reassures readers that it is not about the "prosperity gospel," but rather about finding true joy from God in the midst of life's challenges. A helpful practice of praise and thanksgiving. The tips and questions at the end of each chapter are a nice touch.
March 30, 2020
A wonderful book on praise and thanksgiving to our God. It is practical and very easy to read and understand.
August 8, 2021
I'm thankful for this book that reminds me to have the right attitude of praise and gratitude to God for who He is and what He has done and will do for us.
September 5, 2023
Para tener cerca
July 5, 2024
Perfect!
A great treatment of the topic of prayer. Super easy to read with end of chapter summaries and study questions. Well done, Mr. Cavins!
A great treatment of the topic of prayer. Super easy to read with end of chapter summaries and study questions. Well done, Mr. Cavins!
March 18, 2025
Wonderfully engaging, inspiring and accessible. I really appreciate the gratitude stories and examples, as well as the "Ten Tips for Developing a Thankful Heart" at the end of the book.
September 19, 2020
Easy to read and very practical.
If you are Catholic you will love this. If you are not you will still learn a great desk from reading this book.
The author leads the reader to an effective understanding on the meaning of Praise and Thankfulness and what the bible says about them.
Each chapter provides tips and guidelines on making thanks and praise to the Lord a part of your life.
It’s and easy book to read and is very practical.
If you are Catholic you will love this. If you are not you will still learn a great desk from reading this book.
The author leads the reader to an effective understanding on the meaning of Praise and Thankfulness and what the bible says about them.
Each chapter provides tips and guidelines on making thanks and praise to the Lord a part of your life.
It’s and easy book to read and is very practical.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews