Revelation 8:4 And the smoke of the incense went up with the prayers of the saints, out of the angel’s hand, before God.
Praise is the most powerful form of prayer. Petitions without praise have no power to rise up to heaven. Praise is like the thrust to an aircraft during takeoff. Praise is the momentum that accelerates our prayers and petitions into the throne room of God. The smoke of incense in the verse above refers to “praise and worship”. Praise along with the prayers of God’s children went up to heaven. Praise must precede and succeed all prayers and petitions.
Praise accentuates our trust in the Lord that our prayers have been heard and answered. Praise is the thanksgiving offering in advance. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippines 4:6). Prayers and petitions must be accompanied with thanksgiving and praise.
King David knew the secret to receive answers from heaven. He appointed singers, musicians and trumpeters on a roaster to praise the Lord continuously. David appointed the following Levites to lead the people in worship before the Ark of the LORD—to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel (1 Chronicles 16:7). A continuous sweet incense of praise invoked God’s blessings on the people who came to the tabernacle to pray.
Praise propels our prayers into the presence of the Lord.
Praise opens the door of heaven:
- Move: Praise and thanksgiving are the wheels on which prayer travels from the terrestrial to the celestial. Without praise the plane of prayer will not take off.
- Momentum: The more we praise the faster the aircraft, loaded with prayers and petition, will move heavenward. Praise is the momentum that lifts our prayers toward heaven.
- Master: The incense went up along with the prayers from the hands of the angels into the Father’s hand. Prayers tag along with praise. If there is no praise and thanksgiving but only a bucket load of petitions and prayers they will remain unanswered.
Praise is the fuel that carries our prayers to heaven and thanksgiving gives our petition the thrust heavenward.
Prayer: Father Divine, teach me the divine formulas to pray effective prayers. Father God, accept my prayers and petition that rise up to you with thanksgiving and praise. Amen.
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