Introduction

Good morning, beloved. What a joy it is to gather together in this place, in the presence of our Lord, to worship, to learn, to grow. Today, we stand on the precipice of a new understanding, a fresh revelation of the power that lies within our reach, a power so potent, so profound that it can transform our lives, our circumstances, and yes, even our world. This power, dear friends, is the power of praise.

Let us turn our hearts and minds to the words of the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, chapter 3, verses 14 to 19:

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

In these verses, we see Paul, a man who knew what it was to suffer, to struggle, and yet, a man who knew the power of praise. He understood that praise is not merely a response to God's goodness, but a weapon we wield in the face of life's battles.

The great theologian and preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once said, "Praise is the rehearsal of our eternal song. By grace, we learn to sing, and in glory, we continue to sing." What a powerful reminder that our praise, here and now, is just a taste of what awaits us in eternity.

So, today, we will consider praise in three dimensions. We will see praise as a potent power that can shift atmospheres and break chains. We will see praise as a personal practice, a daily discipline that aligns our hearts with God's. And finally, we will see praise as a pathway to presence, a means by which we enter into the very throne room of God.

Let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with hearts open and ready to receive your word. We ask that you would give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to understand the power of praise. Help us to grasp the depth of this truth, to apply it in our lives, and to experience the transformation that comes from a lifestyle of praise. We ask all this in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Let’s get started!

Praise as a Potent Power

In the heart of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we find a profound truth about the power that lies within us. This power, dear friends, is not one of physical might or intellectual prowess. No, it is a power that transcends our human understanding, a power that is both divine and transformative. It is the power that comes from praising our Heavenly Father.

Praise: When we think of praise, we often think of it as a response to God's goodness. We praise Him for His blessings, His protection, His provision. And while this is certainly a part of praise, it is not the whole picture. Praise is not just a reaction to what God has done; it is an action that we take, a choice that we make, to honor God for who He is.

The first aspect of this power of praise: When we praise God, we are not just expressing our gratitude or admiration. We are, in fact, acknowledging His sovereignty, His authority over our lives. We are declaring that He is Lord, that He is in control, and that we trust Him. This act of surrender, this recognition of God's lordship, releases a power that can shift atmospheres and break chains. It can bring peace in the midst of turmoil, hope in the face of despair, and joy in the midst of sorrow.

The second aspect of the power of praise: Its ability to strengthen us. Paul prays that the Ephesians would be "strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being." When we praise God, we are not just lifting Him up; we are also being lifted up. We are being filled with His strength, His peace, His joy. In the face of trials and tribulations, praise becomes our source of strength, our lifeline to the One who can carry us through.

The third aspect of the power of praise: Its ability to bring about transformation. When we praise God, we are not just changing our focus from our problems to His promises; we are also inviting His presence into our situation. And where God's presence is, transformation happens. Hearts are healed, relationships are restored, lives are changed. Praise, then, is not just a tool for personal transformation; it is a catalyst for transforming our world.

The fourth aspect of the power of praise: Its ability to connect us with God. When we praise God, we are not just speaking words into the air; we are communicating with our Creator. We are drawing near to Him, and in turn, He draws near to us. Praise, therefore, is not just a spiritual discipline; it is a divine dialogue, a heavenly conversation that deepens our relationship with God.

Let us pray.

Dear Lord, we thank You for the power of praise. We thank You that You inhabit the praises of Your people and that in Your presence, we find all that we need. Help us to understand the fullness of this power and to unleash it in our lives. May our praise be a weapon that breaks chains, a source of strength that sustains us, a catalyst for transformation, and a means of deepening our relationship with You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Praise as a Personal Practice

As we continue to navigate the vast ocean of praise, we find ourselves drawn to the shores of personal practice ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO