How can I praise someone?

The Bible instructs us to set our minds on all things worthy of praise:

Phil. 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Therefore, we see no reason we cannot praise the good works of others as a means of encouraging them. On the other hand, if we are directing our thanks to God for someone, then we should praise God for them. This was Paul's pattern too:

Phil. 1:3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
Phil. 1:4 always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all,
Phil. 1:5 in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now.

Paul thanked God for the Church of Philippi, and this should be your pattern as well. As you consider those you appreciate, thank the Lord for their work, since He is the One equipping and guiding them in that work for your sake.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org