“For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, what things whatsoever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:23-24 (KJV)

This familiar scripture has to do with praying in faith, or praying to get results. The most important thing for you to remember about praying accurately is to go to the Word of God, find out what the Word says about the problem, and then pray according to that Word.

First John 5:14-15 (KJV) says when we ask anything according to His will, we know He hears us and we know we have the petitions we desired of Him. When you pray according to God’s Word, which is His will, then you know that your prayer is answered. Jesus said, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.” (John 16:23 KJV)

When you use the name of Jesus in prayer, you get the ear of God. Peter wrote that the eyes of God are over the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers. You don’t have to labor in prayer hoping you get God’s attention. He is already listening to your prayer. You have His attention all the time because you are using the name of Jesus to enter into His presence.

When you pray according to Mark 11:23-24, you believe you receive when you pray. This opens the door for thanksgiving and praise. Philippians 4:6 (NKJ) says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be make known unto God.” Thanksgiving and praise is an important part of the prayer. When you believe you receive, then you begin to rejoice and praise Him for the answer! You thank God that it is done for you!

Thanksgiving and praise involves more than just speaking lovely words to God. There is power in praising God! Praise was ordained by God for a definite reason. It serves a purpose. There are keys to your breakthrough that are mentioned in Psalms Chapter 8 and 9 that every believer should know about praise.

Psalm 8:1-2 (KJV) says, “O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” Jesus quoted this Psalm in Matthew 21:16: “Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.” He equates praise with strength.

From these scriptures, we see that God brought praise into existence. He ordained it. Why? “Because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” Praise delights our Heavenly Father, but it is also a very powerful weapon when fighting a spiritual battle. Praise stops satan right in his tracks!! It literally halts satan’s maneuvers.

Psalm 9 says: “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth all thy marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.” (verses 1-4 KJV)

Remember: We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against satan’s forces.

Ephesians 6:12—18 KJV “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” 13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”

When you praise God, your enemies have to turn back. They will fall and perish at your presence. You can see why praise is so important in the life of a believer. It’s a vital weapon in your warfare against satan and his forces.

Keep your spiritual armor on and keep praising God!