Prayer Basics 2024/2025 Discussion Board 1

[Odinachi Onyemkpa]

Through scripture, it is clear that God always hears our prayers and will respond when we approach Him with unwavering faith and sincere intent aligned with His will. Deep down, we know that He hears us, and this conviction brings a profound sense of peace and calm.
Isaiah 65:24, “Before they call, I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.” This verse powerfully illustrates that God’s response is immediate; He anticipates our needs and answers even before we fully articulate them.
1 John 5:14-15, “And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” These verses make it abundantly clear: when we pray according to God’s will, we can be confident that our prayers are heard and answered. This assurance compels us to praise Him, even before we see the tangible results of our prayers.
Praising God is not optional; it is essential. Here’s why:
It expresses our faith and confidence in God.
Praise boldly demonstrates our belief in God as the All-Sufficient provider who meets our needs.
Psalms 21:13, “Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.”

It is a command.
We are instructed to: “Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud, clashing cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 150:1-6. We must pray with thanksgiving—not just when it suits us, but as an act of our will and obedience. Regardless of our circumstances, we are called to thank God.

It alters our perspective.
It shifts our focus from our problems to the greatness of God.
Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It honours God
Giving thanks is a powerful act of worship and reverence, honouring God for who He is and what He has accomplished.
Psalm 100:4, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, His courts with praise; give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His loving kindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations.”

It focuses on God’s goodness and love
Psalm 59:17, “O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.”
Praise decisively shifts our focus from our own needs and problems to the undeniable goodness and sovereignty of God.

[VictorKachi]

Many individuals facing difficulties often find it challenging to offer praise, as their issues tend to overshadow their perspective.

Jehoshaphat’s life serves as a compelling illustration of how praise can be powerful tools in overcoming adversity and experiencing God’s deliverance. His story shows the importance of Praise before answers and it encourages believers to turn to God in times of need and to express their faith through heartfelt praise (2 chro 20:22-24).
In 2 kings 3:15, When Elisha surrounded himself with Praise, the hand of the lord came upon him and he gave the three kings the answer they were needing.

Reflecting on past victories and the successes one has experienced, along with recalling God’s deeds, personal and collective testimonies, answered prayers, and solutions to challenges, can inspire a spirit of praise even before we see our answers. This is because the problems that seem overwhelming are insignificant in comparison to God’s greatness.
I recall a time when I had a pressing need. I prayed daily for a resolution but failed to express gratitude for the answers I sought. My prayers seemed to be delayed until I began to engage in praise. When I chose to obey and thank God for the answers I had yet to see, the Holy Spirit fortified my faith and granted me peace. I must admit, I do not fully comprehend how this occurs, but I recognize its truth. Eventually, my need was fulfilled. At times, God calms the storm, while at other times, He calms His child in the raging storm. The method by which the answer arrives is not our concern; our role is to offer praise, and the peace that transcends understanding will provide the reassurance we seek because all that are needed have been provided in Christ Jesus. In Christ, we are more than conquerors (Rom 8:37); we will celebrate even more triumphs from our past, present, and future.

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Good day, Odinachi.

I have thoroughly reviewed your work, and I must commend you on the excellent job you have done. Thank you for sharing your insights with us.

In addition to your points, I would like to highlight the scriptural references you provided (Isaiah 65:24, 1 John 5:14-15, Psalm 23:13, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 100:4, among others).

One key observation from these scriptures is the significance of Thanksgiving. We express gratitude not only for the blessings we have received but also for those we are still anticipating. For instance, in the Bible, when Jesus fed the multitude with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21), he offered thanks to the Father before the miracle occurred. This act demonstrates that thanking God for answered prayers, even before we see the results, reflects our complete faith, confidence, and trust in Him.

Another powerful example is when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44). His act of giving thanks preceded a miraculous event. When our faith is firmly rooted in the Word of God, we tend to worry less and praise more, assured that He always hears and answers our prayers.

[VictorKachi]

Often times a lack of praise to God is the only thing that keeps people from receiving answers to their prayers.
It is important to Praise God before seeing our answers because:
1. Praising God in advance is an act of Faith. (“… the evidence of things not seen– Hebrews 11:1).
Praising God before answers takes faith But it also builds your faith. Why? Because faith comes by hearing. As you hear yourself saying thanks to God before your desire is manifested, you are declaring a deeper trust; you’re adding to your faith and increasing your certainty in what God has already declared about that desire. Praise is a super-important part of faith. It is like a thermometer that can be used to measure our spiritual temperature and find out where we are in believing in God. If our praise is limited, then our Faith is limited.
Acts 16:5 Nkjv
Paul and Silas even while in prison sang praise songs in their cell. This was before the earthquake struck that brought about their freedom. They would have sung God’s praises whether they saw His deliverance or not. Their praise was not dependent on their circumstances being pleasant, but on the faithfulness of God.
2. Our answers are already embedded in his will.
Note: It is important to recognize that not every prayer aligns with God’s will.

1 John 5:14-15 emphasizes the confidence we possess when approaching God, assuring us that He hears and responds to our requests. This assurance can inspire deep praise and gratitude, as it underscores God’s readiness to listen and fulfill our needs when they are in harmony with His will.

Numerous scriptural references provide us with solid assurances—Philippians 4:19, Isaiah 65:25, 1 Peter 2:24, Psalm 23:1, Mark 11:23, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Ephesians 3:20, and 2 Peter 1:3, among others. You should feel no fear or doubt in receiving your answers, for His divine power has granted us everything we need and equipped us with the wisdom, resources, and grace to access all that He has provided. What a profound assurance! This realization should foster gratitude for what we possess instead of focusing on what we lack.

3. Praising God in advance speaks of the power of God to all who will hear:
Prior to this time, I expressed my praise to God without fully grasping how it affects the hearers – (5 hearers as listed in Lesson 6). I thought God was the only hearer but now I can make a deliberate decision of faith targeting my attention primarily towards God, therefore silencing the enemies of God (sickness, depression etc) as they recieve their quit notice and began to summit.

In conclusion, our prayers should be watered with praise before they will bear fruit. Yes, prayer has its place, But praise exclaims with gratitude and thanksgiving for the answers even before we receive it. All we ever needed has already being provided- It is a past-tense deal. The world has already been overcome, I am not only victorious but I am triumphant so I have to be of good cheer (John 6:33)

[Aanuoluwa Babalola]

In essence, praising God for answers before seeing them is a powerful demonstration of faith, a cultivation of gratitude, an alignment with God’s will, and a source of spiritual strength. It’s a proactive expression of trust that honors God’s character and empowers the believer to navigate the uncertainties of life with hope and confidence.

[Omininikeipiriye Igani]

This reflection offers a heartfelt and insightful perspective on the power of praising God in advance of receiving answers to prayer. I fully concur with the points made, especially the emphasis on praise as an act of faith. As noted, Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the “evidence of things not seen.” Praising God before manifestation truly reveals trust in His character and Word, even when our circumstances haven’t yet changed.
The connection between praise and the will of God is also well stated. The reference to 1 John 5:14-15 affirms that our confidence in prayer grows when we understand that our petitions align with God’s will. I particularly appreciated the inclusion of multiple scriptural promises, which serve as strong foundations for our faith and trust in what God has already provided for us.
One point that stood out was the reminder that praise is not just directed to God—it is also heard by others, including spiritual enemies like fear, doubt, and sickness. That idea adds depth to our understanding of praise as a spiritual weapon. It encourages us to be intentional in our praise, knowing it declares God’s power aloud.
Your conclusion beautifully ties everything together. Praise doesn’t replace prayer—it empowers it through gratitude and unwavering trust. Well done!

[Miriam IfeanyiChukwu]

I agree with you, Bro. Odinachi, you have listed great reasons why praise is important before answers are seen in the physical.
One of the reasons you stated that resonates greatly with me is that praising God before your answers are seen is an act of faith and confidence in God, which is so profound. Naturally, people give thanks when they receive things. So, praising God before the answers come is not natural; it is supernatural, it is faith.
The believer who gives thanks before the physical manifestation of his answers has closed his ears to the “what ifs” of the devil that come in the form of thought bombs and has opened his ears to the Word of God and His promises, and this pleases God (Heb. 11:6).
An example that comes to mind is Jehoshaphat and the children of Israel when three nations came together to make war against them in 2 Chronicles 20. Scriptures say in verses 21-22 that they began to sing praises to God, and God caused the people to war against one another and the people of God got their answers- they were victorious.
God loves it when His children praise Him. Scripture says He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3).

[Humble oluchi God’s power]

Why is it essential to praise God for the answers to your prayers before you see ?

There are several compelling reasons to express gratitude to God for the answers to our prayers even prior to their realization. To better understand this, let’s first explore the essence of prayer.

Prayer is a simple conversation, communication, fellowship with God that is borne out with the consciousness of what God has already done in the sacrifice of his son, Jesus.

It is crucial to praise God for the answers to our prayers before they materialize for the following reasons:

1) It demonstrates and affirms our faith in Him: Faith is a powerful force that yields remarkable outcomes (Hebrews 11:8). When our faith is active, we receive whatever we ask for, as our faith is grounded in the revelation of Christ and His works. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. Faith is a vital component that should not be overlooked if we wish to receive answers to our prayers. (Acts 16:25) This scripture highlights the power of praise; when they prayed and praised, a transformation occurred immediately. By withholding our praise, we restrict our ability to receive. The strength of our faith directly influences the results we experience when we honor God with our praise.

2) Another significant reason to praise God for answers before they are visible is due to the completed work of Christ on the cross. Through His birth, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, we have achieved victory (Isaiah 53:5-7). The substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross has brought us redemption. Therefore, I pray with gratitude, knowing that my struggles have been addressed through His sacrifice. I am no longer bound by fear; I possess the victorious life of Christ within me. His deep and unconditional love empowers me to live an undefeated life because of His finished work on the cross. The covenant of health and prosperity stands for me, as His sacrifice was made once and for all, and His blood eternally defends me, It served as evidence of my prayers being answered even before I witnessed their fulfillment.

Conclusion

Worshiping God fosters our spiritual development and serves as a profound means of connecting with Him. It allows us to convey our gratitude, love, and trust, while also proclaiming His goodness to the world, even during challenging times (Psalm 150:6). Our praise is not limited to acknowledging His past deeds; we also honor Him for the blessings yet to come.

[Oziie]

I was especially encouraged by how you emphasized that worshiping God before receiving the answer is not only an act of faith but a declaration of trust in His character. It’s so true that when we fix our eyes on God and not the situation, the perspective shifts from one of fear to one of hope. I also appreciated the reminder in Hebrews 11:1—that faith is trusting even when we don’t have the big picture.

The biblical examples you highlighted, like Jehoshaphat and Paul and Silas, really struck me. They demonstrate to us that praise can be used as a spiritual weapon, not just a response to a triumph but a prelude to one. Sometimes we must remind ourselves that God is working behind the scenes, and our praise is a way of consenting to His will even before it is revealed fully.

I also loved your point regarding gratitude over entitlement. Praising in advance is a reminder that God’s faithfulness isn’t dependent on how or when He decides to respond. He is worthy nonetheless.

Though i’m familiar with all of these, your essay really spoke to my heart to be more intentional in praising God in advance before I see the fruit. It’s a good reminder to keep trusting and to worship anyway.

[Aanuoluwa Babalola]

In essence, praising God for answers before seeing them is a powerful demonstration of faith, a cultivation of gratitude, an alignment with God’s will, and a source of spiritual strength. It’s a proactive expression of trust that honors God’s character and empowers the believer to navigate the uncertainties of life with hope and confidence.

[Omininikeipiriye Igani]

Praising God before you see the manifestation of your answers is one of the most powerful expressions of faith a believer can demonstrate. It is an act that reveals trust in God’s character and confidence in His Word. Faith is not just believing for something, but believing that what God has said is already done, even when there is no physical evidence yet. Praising God in advance is a declaration that you trust Him more than what your eyes can see.
In Hebrews 11:1, the Bible tells us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This means that faith deals with unseen realities. When you praise God before the answer shows up, you are responding to that unseen evidence. You are agreeing with God that what He promised is already settled.
Faith speaks—and praise is one of the ways faith speaks. When we engage in praise even before the breakthrough, we align ourselves with the finished work of Christ. Praise becomes a spiritual posture that says, “God, I believe You have already done it, and I choose to rejoice in that truth.”
A great scriptural example of this principle is found in Romans 4:20-21, which speaks of Abraham: “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Abraham praised and gave glory to God even when he had not yet seen the promised child, Isaac. His praise was an outward expression of his inner conviction.
In Acts 16:25-26, Paul and Silas, even while chained in prison, began to pray and sing praises to God—not after they were freed, but while they were still in captivity. As they praised, the prison shook, and the doors flung open. Their praise invited the supernatural intervention of God.
Praise is a spiritual weapon. It shifts your focus from the problem to the God who is bigger than the problem. It creates an atmosphere where faith is stirred and anxiety loses its grip. When you praise God before the answer comes, you are not denying reality—you are choosing to elevate God’s Word above your current situation.
In conclusion, praising God before seeing the answer is an act of mature, confident faith. It is a way of saying, “God, I trust You completely.” It shows that your heart is anchored in His promises, and “faith celebrates the answer before it arrives.”

[Aanuoluwa Babalola]

First of all, it is an expression of unwavering faith and trust in God’s character and promises.
Also, it cultivates a posture of gradtitude and positivity.

[Oziie]

Praise God Before Seeing the Answer – A Posture of Faith and Trust

Praising God in expectation of answers to our prayers is a fundamental act and posture of faith, trust, and intimacy with God. It indicates that our trust is not in that which can be seen alone but in the unchanging character and promises of God. In doing so, we place ourselves in a biblical precedence of trusting worship and activate our spiritual position to receive in expectation.

Then, praising God prior to the answer shows faith in His faithfulness. Hebrews 11 says that “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Praising God before we witness the outcome declares that we have faith He is working even when we cannot see it. It’s a way of saying, “God, I trust You more than I understand.” That sort of praise glorifies God and stabilizes our walk with Him.

Secondly, early praise is an attitude of gratitude, not entitlement. It diverts our focus away from the problem and toward the God who is the problem solver. It reminds us that He has done it before, and He will do it again. This kind of praise aligns our hearts to see God’s hand at work in ways we otherwise wouldn’t. It also guards our hearts from bitterness, worry, and impatience, which find their way in when we’re focused on results.

Thirdly, praising God in advance becomes a prophetic declaration of victory. In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of the army to sing praises to the Lord, and God caused the enemies to kill each other. They conquered through worship. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas worshiped God in prison prior to any doors opening. Their worship opened heavenly intervention. These examples teach us that praise is not always a product of victory—it can be a prelude to it.

Lastly, this kind of praise enhances intimacy with God. It is not so much about what we get but about who He is. When we praise Him ahead of the answer, we are declaring that He is worthy—whether He decides to give us what we want or not.

In conclusion, praising God before seeing the answers is a faith-filled practice that honors Him, strengthens us, and invites His power into our situation. It’s a declaration that our hope is not in circumstances, but in the unchanging, all-powerful, ever-faithful God.

[Author]

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