Praising God with Heart and Voice

It is our duty to praise God, and we have every good reason to praise Him. But we do not always 'feel' like it. Is saying the right words, because it is what is expected of us, what praise is all about? Is there a right technique to make us truly grateful?
This poem tells the experience of someone - perhaps a young Christian? - who finds the effort to praise God obediently following the example of others is self-defeating, but discovers that praise will come spontaneously from a grateful heart.

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Rejoice in the Lord always!"

I sing the words aloud, but no
My heart's not in the praise
True praise mounts up on eagle's wing
I only read the words and sing

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below"

I go to church and kneel in prayer
Correctly as I should ,
I seek God in the open air
and worship in the wood
No use, whatever place I try
My phrases bounce back off the sky.

"Praise God with all your heart and voice
Rejoice, again I say rejoice!"

I bow my head, I lift my hands
I worship like the rest
Obedient to their commands
Trying which way is best
Silent or spoken, sung or said
My words are vain, my worship's dead.

Come now to Me, my way is best
And I will give the weary rest

O Lord, I want to praise you Lord
For sunset, seas and foam
For Jesus, come to show Your love
Who brings me safely home
You are so great, forgiving, kind
Help me to praise with heart and mind!

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him on high through all the days"

I'll praise His love where'er I go
And I'll rejoice in Him always
No need to search for worship's art
With quiet rejoicing in my heart