The Power of Praise: A Spiritual Weapon

Today, we gathered in the presence of the living God to celebrate the conclusion of our seven-day fasting and prayer with a sound of celebration. The focus was on the power and significance of praise—what truly happens when our praises go up to God. Praise is not just a song or a ritual; it is a spiritual weapon, a key that opens the heavens, and a lifestyle that ushers in God’s presence, power, and blessings. When we praise, we create an atmosphere for God to dwell and manifest Himself, and we position ourselves for supernatural intervention, victory, and transformation.

Praise is a sacrifice, the fruit of our lips, and it is to be offered continually, regardless of our circumstances. It is in praise that chains—both spiritual and physical—are broken, as seen in the story of Paul and Silas, whose worship caused prison doors to fly open. Praise also brings supernatural intervention, as with Joshua and the walls of Jericho, where a shout of praise brought down barriers that seemed insurmountable. When we praise, God Himself fights our battles, as He did for Jehoshaphat, setting ambushes against the enemy and granting victory.

Furthermore, praise shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness, renewing our strength and stirring up faith. It brings supernatural joy and peace, even in the midst of trials, and breaks the spirit of heaviness, depression, and despair. Praise also precedes abundance and multiplication, opening the door to increase and blessings, as the earth yields its increase to those who praise God. Ultimately, praise glorifies God, makes His glory visible in our lives, and positions us to see His hand of deliverance and salvation.

Praise is not optional for the believer; it is a lifestyle and a weapon. When we choose to put on the garment of praise, heaviness must give way, and God is glorified in our lives. As we continue to praise, we become living testimonies of God’s faithfulness, power, and glory.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Praise Creates an Atmosphere for God’s Presence: When we praise, we invite God to dwell and manifest Himself in our midst. Praise is not just an act but an environment-changer; it enthrones God and displaces every other presence. Where God is enthroned, His authority and power are made manifest, and every other force must bow. [23:24]
• 2. Praise Breaks Chains and Releases Freedom: Spiritual and physical chains are broken when we praise God. Just as Paul and Silas experienced deliverance in prison, our praise shakes the foundations of our problems and opens doors that no one else can open. God does not need permission from the enemy to set us free; His presence alone is enough to break every limitation. [28:40]
• 3. Praise Invites Supernatural Intervention and Victory: When we praise, God intervenes in ways that defy human logic, as seen with the walls of Jericho and the victory of Jehoshaphat. Praise confuses the enemy and causes God to fight on our behalf, turning battles we cannot win into testimonies of His power. Our praise is a weapon that brings divine intervention and supernatural results. [30:19]
• 4. Praise Shifts Our Focus and Renews Our Strength: Praise lifts our eyes from our problems to God’s greatness, causing faith to rise and strength to be renewed. Even in times of weakness or despair, choosing to praise brings new strength and joy, and the oppressive spirit of heaviness cannot remain where praise is present. [37:06]
• 5. Praise Precedes Blessings, Breaks Heaviness, and Positions Us for Deliverance: When we praise, we open the door to abundance, provision, and multiplication. The garment of praise breaks the spirit of heaviness and depression, and positions us to see God’s hand of deliverance and salvation. Praise is both our privilege and our responsibility, and it must become our lifestyle. [43:45]
  ** [43:45]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [19:30] - The End of Every Siege
• [20:30] - When My Praises Go Up
• [23:24] - Praise as a Spiritual Weapon
• [25:50] - Creating an Atmosphere for God
• [28:40] - Chains Break Through Praise
• [30:19] - Supernatural Intervention and Jericho
• [32:50] - God Fights Our Battles
• [35:58] - Praise Makes God’s Glory Visible
• [37:06] - Shifting Focus from Problems to God
• [38:53] - Praise Stirs Up Deliverance
• [40:53] - Praise Precedes Abundance
• [43:45] - Breaking Heaviness and Depression
• [47:31] - Praise Glorifies God and Opens Salvation
• [48:56] - Praise as a Lifestyle
• [58:03] - Thanksgiving and Testimonies
• [66:42] - Offering and Blessings
• [67:37] - Announcements and Closing

Bible Reading

Hebrews 13:15 (NKJV) — > Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

2. Acts 16:25-26 (NKJV)
> But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed.

3. Psalm 67:5-6 (NKJV)
> Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase; God, our own God, shall bless us.

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 13:15, what does it mean to offer the “sacrifice of praise” and how often are we called to do it?
2. In Acts 16:25-26, what happened as a direct result of Paul and Silas praising God in prison?
3. What does Psalm 67:5-6 say will happen when the people praise God?
4. The sermon mentioned that praise is more than just singing songs. What are some other ways the sermon described praise? [[23:24]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think the Bible calls praise a “sacrifice”? What might make praise costly or difficult at times? [[23:24]]
2. The story of Paul and Silas shows chains breaking and doors opening when they praised God. What does this teach about the spiritual power of praise in difficult situations? [[28:40]]
3. The sermon said that praise “creates an atmosphere for God to dwell and manifest Himself.” What does it look like for God’s presence to be “enthroned” in our lives or gatherings? [[23:24]]
4. According to Psalm 67:5-6 and the sermon, how is praise connected to God’s blessings and increase in our lives? [[40:53]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Praise is not just a song or a ritual; it is a spiritual weapon, a key that opens the heavens, and a lifestyle.” In what area of your life do you need to start using praise as a weapon instead of just a routine? [[23:24]]
2. Think about a time when you felt “chained” by a problem, fear, or situation. Did you try praising God in that moment? If not, what would it look like to do so next time? [[28:40]]
3. The sermon taught that praise shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness. What is one problem you are facing right now, and how can you intentionally shift your focus to God through praise this week? [[37:06]]
4. The “garment of praise” is said to break the spirit of heaviness and depression (Isaiah 61:3). When you feel weighed down, what practical steps can you take to “put on” praise? [[43:45]]
5. The sermon said, “Praise is not optional for the believer; it is a lifestyle and a weapon.” What are some obstacles that keep you from making praise a daily habit? How can you overcome them? [[48:56]]
6. The story of Joshua and the walls of Jericho shows that sometimes God asks us to do things that don’t make sense, like praising in the face of a wall. Is there a “wall” in your life right now? How can you respond with praise even if you don’t see a solution yet? [[30:19]]
7. The sermon ended by saying, “As we continue to praise, we become living testimonies of God’s faithfulness, power, and glory.” What is one testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life that you can share with the group to encourage others? [[58:03]]