In the Prayer Center, whenever we receive a call about an answer to prayer we fill out a praise report form.  Many times we end up shouting and rejoicing with the person for the goodness of our God.  It is always so encouraging to the prayer warriors to share the joy of someone’s breakthrough.

I have learned over the years a key principle regarding praise and here it is!  Praise God even before you see the turnaround in a situation.  Maintain an attitude of expectancy.  And why can we do this?  Because God is a promise keeper and His Word is true. 

His promises are “yes” and “amen” and what He promises He will perform.

2 Corinthians 1:20 – “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.” KJV

God is a prayer-answering God. Many people are praying today to dead idols, but we are praying to the one True God.

Psalm 50:15 – “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”

Psalm 18:3 – “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”

However, if you are still doubting and not believing, your results may not be what you would like.  Remember everything that comes into your life, God already knows about it and has a solution and provision for that situation.

Now when something unpleasant or outright spiritual warfare occurs, I say “Lord, you knew about this ahead of time and I’m trusting you in the midst of this situation. I believe you will see me through and give me insight and wisdom on how to deal with this.”  Then often my conversation with the Lord will continue declaring out loud God’s promises.

Praise can become a main part of your communication with the Lord.  Every time the enemy tries to cause frustration, worry or anxiety, remind the devil that he is defeated and greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.

We all need prayer and it is so comforting during difficult seasons to receive a visit, call, text or email from someone assuring us that they are praying.  Decide today to pass on an encouraging word and pray for others.  As you pass this same caring on to others it helps to lift your own burden.

James 5:16 – “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Believe God’s word that your prayers are making a difference.  Stop the enemy from discouraging you about the effectiveness of your prayers.  God is working behind the scenes so continue praising God for His faithfulness. When it seems to be taking too long for your prayers to be answered, continue to thank and praise God anyway!

God loves it when we praise Him.  He is so worthy of all our praise.  We can never praise Him enough for all He is and has done for us. I encourage you to do a study of the scriptures (especially the Psalms) and follow David’s example of continually praising God and always magnifying our Lord in the midst of turmoil.

The following poem was written during a challenging time of my life and I hope it blesses you:

Praise Your Way Out of the Pit!

When Satan comes in with a hit, praise your way out of the pit.

When all you want to do is quit, praise your way out of the pit.

When your joy lamp is no longer lit, praise your way out of the pit.

Are your kids having a fit? Praise your way out of the pit!

Feeling down — just want to sit? Praise your way out of the pit!

And when you’re hurting and sick, praise your way out of the pit.

If you sin, just repent and admit – praise your way out of the pit.

So keep on praising the Lord and to His loving care commit.

Praise your way out of the pit!