Praise
Often
prayer comes naturally to us, but unfortuntely it's less often that we experience
the power of praise—the celebrating of the love of God. It is prayer par excellence—total love.
In fact, the book of Psalms, in Hebrew is literally the book of "Praises".
I. A Few Reasons to Praise God
- Love. Praise and worship is the most beautiful and reverent act; the response of a person's spirit to the privilege of being united with God. If for no other reason, we should praise God simply because He deserves it.
- Angels. They illustrate our pattern. In God's presence they are bathed in awe, submitted with their entire being. Once during a worshipping session, a friend saw a vision of many rows of angels bowing before God and every once in a while one would peel off (like an F-18), going out into the world to serve, full of God. We are to be like that.
- Reality Check. It brings awareness of our true position. "This deference is not for My benefit as much as it is for you, to acknowledge the truth. Taking any other posture but total submission to Me is a lie." While worshipping at a prayer meeting, a friend of mine had a vision of Jesus walking amongst us pulling off sunglasses, so we could more clearly see the reality of God.
- Release of the Real Self. In every choice we make for God, we actively cooperate in our own self-creation; becoming more of the person we will be in Heaven—the real future self. (That part of us that objects to praise today, eventually will not be apart of our true identity in Paradise).
- Spiritual Weaponry. Praise is also a powerful weapon against discouragement and oppression. Tradition has it that Satan used to be Heaven's worship leader and is especially defeated by the effects of our praise. See Praise Power.
Internal Praise
- God's Love First. When we pray we are tempted to rate our worthiness or present a list of needs. Rather, first focus on God's love for you and your love will flow more naturally as a result (I John 4:19). E.g., think of the cross first as God's act for you, then your act back to God.
- Decide. Praise is not an emotion, but a decision. We may not feel like it. To praise perfectly requires sacrifice. In fact, in the Old Testament, incense was required, which forshadowed New Testament incense in the spirit, which brings a pleasant fragrance before the Lord.
- Focus Your Mind. The will directs the mind, so focus on what is good. Praisers are satisfied people; grumblers are dissatisfied people.
- Bend the Inner Knee. Repent. Specifically promise to change. You know what God wants of you.
External Praise
The outside contributes to the inside, which is one reason why charismatics experience "full contact" worship: clapping, bowing, singing, face flat, hands raised, dancing, etc Every time we pray we don't need to pray outloud, but if expressive praise isn't a regular part of our prayer life, we're missing out on God's fullness. Why is that?
- Greatest Commandment. Jesus said commandment number one is to love with all, not just your mind. Lovers love give everything.
- Jesus Anointed Humanity. Of course, God does not want us to simply to make noises like parrots; but to unite the will to His. However, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. It should be involved.
- Celebration. The English word "praise" comes from the Latin word "prize," as in a celebration. It is not normal to celebrate in silence. Praise is the celebration of the love of God. It's more like being at a football game than playing chess.
- Christ In Us. Jesus prays out loud. We are to be Christ.
- Releasing Gifts. Enhancemente of vocal praise is the purpose for the gift of tongues—which in turn helps release other, more poweful gifts, such as prophecy, visions and healing. See Charismatic Gifts.
- Bend the Outer Knee. The Hebrew word "to bless" comes from the same root word as the word which is translated "knee" and suggests a transaction with God on our knees.
- Self-Witness. By worshipping God vocally we witness to ourselves; then (if we wait for God) we often experience the Holy Spirit witnessing to us!
Wisdom from the Spirit
I ask of you your whole spirit, soul, and body, yet so often I get what's in your mind. Do you think too much about your prayer? I'm looking for your heart more than your head. At times, your thinking can be an enemy to the spirit that I have ingrained in you. Though I have created all of you, it is the balance of all I made you to be that brings out one area to its greatest fulfillment.
Unlike exercising a muscle repeatedly where it gets stronger with extended use, exertion of your mind in prayer will concentrate too much power to your known faculties and may cause less reliance on what your spirit is saying. Lead in with your spirit. Experience the wisdom of praise.
I can reach your depths when you enter in to My presence in holy surrender. Your depths of your spirit know far more in time of praise than hours of pondering and questioning. Your most profound insight is most often the product, or byproduct, of the deepest times of prayer. Once your mind grasps what the spirit is telling it, now you have true direction. It never works in reverse—mind first speaking to spirit. The mind is too finite to probe the deeper things of God. So, again, I say, lead in with your spirit and connect with My Holy Spirit. I will show you truth.