BY HIM LET US CONTINUALLY OFFER THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE TO GOD, THAT IS, THE FRUIT OF OUR LIPS, GIVING THANKS TO HIS NAME. (HEBREWS 13:15, NKJV)

Another key to experiencing God in a deeper way is to worship Him with praise and thanksgiving. One of the keys  to intercession for others, is to start with praise.

The Psalms are filled with prayers of thanksgiving. They encourage us to honor and praise God for all He has done for us. “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4, KJV).

Remembering our salvation, we give thanks for eternal life. Acknowledging God’s protection, we give thanks for His providence. Recognizing His guidance, we give thanks for His indwelling Holy Spirit.

Colossians 3:16 further implores us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (NKJV).

God’s wonders are made known when we sing (Psalm 105:1-4). And as we praise the work of His hands and the depth of His love, other people hear and receive His message of hope.

Furthermore, singing breaks chains of bondage (Acts 16:25-26).

When we look beyond our earthly circumstances and sing praises to God, we change the atmosphere. Strongholds and addictions are broken.

Ultimately, our worship prepares us for victory (2 Chronicles 20:21). When we sing, we are sending the Spirit of the Lord before us, declaring our dependency on God, and inviting His manifest presence.

When we sing, God listens and responds.