Question from a reader:

Does recorded voice and music praise God? If I were to record my own voice reading God's word and play it back in a person-less room, would that still praise God?

Answer from Randy Alcorn:

I think that praise is something done repeatedly, but always done in the moment from the heart. Certainly a recording of praise could be listened to by someone and prompt their heart to praise. But if the room is empty, even though God hears it, it isn't the same as the first time it was spoken. When I write a book I am praising God, and when someone reads it they may praise God. But when the book sits there unread, though the words are words of praise, God is not being praised every moment the book lays unopened. Hope that makes sense.