God does not need us to flatter him, but he does want us to tell others about his goodness, so that they too will put their trust in him and enjoy his good gifts. And that is what we do when we praise him in songs that proclaim his goodness. In fact, most psalms of praise do just that. They do not address the Lord, but address the congregation and anyone else who cares to listen. They sing about God and his goodness. These psalms have three main parts to them. First, they name the Lord and announce his presence in the divine service. Second, they praise his goodness and speak about the good things that he has done. Third, they invite their hearers to join with his people in receiving his gifts and praising him for his generosity.
John W Kleinig, "What's the Use of Praising God?" Lutheran Theological Journal 38/2 (2004)
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