Reply To: Prayer Basics Discussion Board 1

[obiamonu]

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR ANSWERS BEFORE YOU SEE THEM?
The act of expressing approval or admiration, known as praise, is significant in acknowledging God’s blessings even before they are realized. In the New Testament, the Greek word for praise is “épainos,” Strongs Greek 1868, which encompasses the genuine expression of admiration, commendation, or approval for someone or something. This involves being thankful for God’s blessings and declaring this gratitude to God, to the hearing of others, our situations, and even to ourselves. As believers, we have the confidence and boldness to approach God, knowing that our requests are heard and answered. Praise serves as a powerful force, capable of breaking chains and opening doors in our lives.

Here are some reasons why we must praise God for answers before seeing them:

1. Faith and Trust: Praising God in advance demonstrates faith and trust that He will provide the right answers or outcomes. It’s an act of surrender, acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers but believe that God does. Hebrews 11:1 (NKJV) highlights the active trust we place in God’s plans and goodness. Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) states, “Now to him who can do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.” Our praise is an expression of trust and faith in God to answer in ways that exceed human reasoning. 1 John 5:14 (NKJV) says, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” Trusting that God hears and answers our prayers is an act of faith. Faith and trust go hand in hand. As we stand on faith, our hearts overflow with gratitude while we wait to see God’s answers to prayer. Despite enduring immense suffering and loss, Job remained faithful and praised God. In the end, his prayers were answered as God restored his fortunes and blessed him abundantly (Job 42:10-17NKJV).
2. Gratitude: Praising God in advance expresses gratitude for His goodness and provision. Even before seeing the results, believers’ express thankfulness for His faithfulness. Throughout the Psalms, David often praised God before and after his prayers were answered. For instance, in Psalm 34:1 NKJV, he declares, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips”.
3. Powerful witness: Praising God in advance can act as a powerful witness to unbelievers. An example of this is found in (Acts 16:25-34NKJV). The story of Paul and Silas, after being publicly humiliated, beaten, and thrown into prison, chose to pray and sing praises to God at midnight. Their act of Praise had a profound impact: suddenly, there was a great earthquake that shook the prison’s foundations, opening all the doors and loosening everyone’s bands. The jailer, fearing the prisoners had escaped, was about to take his own life, but Paul stopped him. Instead of fleeing, Paul and Silas stayed, and the jailer asked them how to be saved. They shared the message of Jesus Christ, and the jailer and his household believed and were baptized. It’s a powerful example of how praising God even in difficult circumstances can lead to transformation and salvation. Paul and Silas’s praise session led to a miraculous event, symbolizing the transformative power of praising God before God delivered them.

4. Deliverance: Offering praise to God in advance has the power to usher in deliverance. For instance, imagine someone facing a challenging situation, like a difficult exam or a medical diagnosis. Rather than succumbing to fear or despair, they choose to praise God beforehand, trusting in His ability to guide them through. This act of faith can lead to unexpected breakthroughs, such as receiving unexpected clarity during the exam or experiencing a miraculous healing. By praising God in advance, individuals affirm their belief in His sovereignty and open themselves up to His transformative power in their lives.
A good example can also be seen in the book of 2 Chronicles 20:21-25NKJV. King Jehoshaphat and Judah went out against the enemy, the armies of Ammonites, Moabites, and the people of Mount Seir. These enemies of Judah had banded together against Judah. From the natural standpoint, Jehoshaphat didn’t have enough men or an army big or strong enough to withstand these enemy forces. When the children of Israel began to sing and praise God, God did something! That’s when God’s power was manifested, and the enemy was defeated!
In summary, praising God before answers are received reflects faith, gratitude, positivity, and a strengthened spiritual bond. It’s a transformative practice that aligns our hearts with His will and invites His blessings into our lives.