The Power of Praise and Worship
“There is nothing that the devil fears and hates more than when believers unite in praise and worship.”
By Ian September
If I was to ask 10 people how they would define “praise and worship” I’m sure that I will get 10 different answers!
So let’s make this a bit personal; Question: How would you define praise and worship?
Some tips: 1. Praise and worship is not a ritual or tradition
instituted by the church
Praise and worship is not just part of our service
something we do to keep the congregation
entertained for 20 min once a week.
Praise and worship cannot be forced upon anybody,
for it should come from the very core of your being;
from who you are.
For praise and worship should be a life-style as it is an outward expression of a heart filled with gratitude and awe at the splendor of God.
Psalm 100 (NIV) – 1Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his, we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
After reading Psalm 100 and using it as a platform to work from it is very clear (duidelik) that there is indeed power in praise and worship, Amen.
Tonight I would like to share a few pointers with you as to what the power of praise and worship can do.
#1. Praise and worship gets the focus off ourselves and back on God.
In this “selfie” world or selfish where it is all about “me, myself and I” we should remind ourselves that life is not about us, but about the One who created us and who deserves all our praise and worship.
The phrase “Praise Him /God” is mentioned 13 times in just 6 verses of Psalm 150, which is a clear indication that the focus of our praise and worship should be… on Him!
You see church, people are so self-centered with such big ego’s (etching God out) so proud that they cannot even lift their hands in surrender to the Most Sovereign God!
David’s example found in: 2 Samuel 6:1-23
David had an “I couldn’t care less” attitude, because his heart was filled with gratitude in praise and worship of Jehovah God! His focus was on God!
#2. Praise and worship will bring us to a place of humility
Psalm 95:6 (NIV) – Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Verse 6 urges us to bow down (as a sign of humility) before God, as we are reminded of our dependency on God… the word of God is filled with many examples, where rulers and kings bowed down before God. When last did you bow down before God (physically and spiritually). Humbling yourself completely, are you prepared to do that?
Psalm 35:18 (NIV) – I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.
#3. Praise and worship will make the enemy flee!
Evil cannot be present when we praise and worship God; for when we praise and worship God in Spirit and in truth, we as worshippers are turned into the image of the One who is worshipped.
Listen to word of song: “I’ll sing a Hallelujah”
#4. Praise and worship leaves no room for moaning and complaining.
Many times we would complain to God about our challenges in life (even thought He is aware of it) But, through praise and worship, we are reminded of what He did for us, we’re reminded of His concern for us and that He is indeed capable of taking care of All our troubles!
Psalm 103:2-4 (NIV) – 2Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – 3who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.
Song: “Cast your burdens..” anybody?
#5. Praise and worship makes room for God’s blessings over us
Praise and worship opens the gateway for God’s blessings as we come into the presence of the Most High! (Position yourself to receive – American Quarterback). Through praise and worship we position ourselves to receive from God!
Many times God will through praise and worship give you a vision, or a word, or prophesy, a new song, or discernment and even enable you with the ability to speak in tongues!
Can I just say that it is on God’s agenda to bless us, with every spiritual gift in Christ and many times it will happen during a time of praise and worship.
#6. During praise and worship our Spirits are renewed, refreshed and revitalized
Through praise and worship our hearts are strengthened by His peace, and we are refueled by His joy! Nehemiah 8:10
Psalm 16:11 (NIV) – You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Please realize church, that through a heart of praise and worship we will realize that God doesn’t just change our situations and circumstances but also our hearts!
Psalm 63:3-4 (NIV) – 3Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. 4I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
#7. Praise and worship invites God’s presence.
Psalm 22:3 – But you are holy, O you that inhabit the praises of your people.
God dwells in the praises of His people (close to us); He doesn’t need it but desires and deserves it!
Through praise and worship we prepare our hearts and minds to experience the presence of God.
#8. Praise and worship paves the way for God’s Power to be displayed and prepares the atmosphere for healing, miracles and breakthroughs.
The story of Paul and Silas
Acts 16: 23-26 (NIV) – 23After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.
Through praise and worship God will shake things up! People’s lives will be affected and families changed, as a direct result of praise and worship.
As Paul and Silas sat in prison, shackled and chained in the most distressing circumstances, they just kept on praising and worshipping God!
Can you imagine that church? Praising God in the most severe circumstances….
And then…SUDDENLY! The earth shook, shackles and chains fell off people, prison doors opened. People came to know the Lord that night and were baptized as a result of praise and worship!
May I encourage you tonight church; to never stop praising and worshiping God… when you’re facing tough times and trials of many kinds (James 1:2), keep on praising God! When there seems to be no way out, keep on praising and worshiping God!
For He is still the Miracle Worker, Promise keeper, Way-maker, Light in the darkness, yes that is who He is!
Conclude:
Tonight God desires our whole hearts, our complete surrender and return to Him.
God is longing for us to know and experience the Power of His presence that can heal and restore through personal and corporate worship.
It is on God’s heart to bless us with every spiritual gift, even more than we can ever imagine!
Question: How desperate are you to receive from God?
How desperate are you to receive your breakthrough,
healing, deliverance, restoration tonight?
