December 16, 2025

The Advantages of Praise

By Harold Vaughan

“Let the high praises of God be in their mouth.” Psalm 149:6a

Praise is one of the most powerful forces in the Christian life—this is true— and yet it is often underestimated. The Scriptures teach us that prayer is to be wrapped, surrounded and steeped in thanksgiving and praise. So, what benefits does praise bring?

Praise Accelerates Answers to Prayer

It anchors us in faith and gratitude before the answer even comes. George Müller, the man famous for building orphanages and living entirely by faith, understood this secret well. He taught believers not only to pray God’s promises but also to thank and praise Him in advance as though those promises were already fulfilled. Praise, Müller believed, was like a catalyst—it ignited prayer with expectancy and sped up the process. John Livingstone once observed, “A sentence of praise is worth a page of prayer. An hour of praise is worth a day of fasting.”

Such statements remind us that praise is not merely an accessory to prayer, but the atmosphere in which prayer flourishes.

Praise Encourages the Miraculous

The Bible shows us repeatedly that praise accomplishes what human effort cannot. When King Jehoshaphat and Judah faced overwhelming enemies, they did not sharpen swords or plan strategies. Instead, they sent singers to march in front of the army. As God’s people began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies, and the enemies were defeated (2 Chronicles 20:22). Their voices became their weapon, and God fought for them.

The same truth appears in Acts 16. Paul and Silas, bruised and chained in the inner prison, chose not to sink into despair but to lift up hymns of praise. At midnight, their songs rose through the darkness, and suddenly an earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. Every door opened, and every chain fell off. Praise invited the miraculous power of God into an impossible situation.

Praise Pushes Back the Oppression of the Enemy

Saul, tormented by a distressing spirit, found relief whenever David played his harp. Scripture records that Saul became refreshed and well, and that the distressing spirit departed from him (1 Samuel 16:23).

The enemy cannot linger where genuine praise is lifted.

Isaiah 61:3 tells us that God gives His people “the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” Praise is like a cloak we put on in exchange for despair. When the atmosphere around us feels dark, praise brings the light of God’s presence.

Praise Strengthens Our Faith

Abraham is the great example here. Romans 4:20 says that he “was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” Long before Isaac was born, Abraham praised the God who had promised him a son. Praise became the means by which his faith grew strong. It may seem easier to complain or sink into doubt, but when we choose to praise God in a time of waiting, our faith deepens and becomes steadfast.

Praise Ushers in Joy and Peace

Paul instructs in Philippians 4:6–7 that when we bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. Thanksgiving and praise are not things we wait to give after the problem resolves—they are the pathway through which joy and peace enter our lives even in the midst of hardship.

Praise Magnifies God and Invites Others to Join In

“My soul shall make her boast in the Lord. . . O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together (Psalm 34:2–3).” Praise enlarges our vision of God and inspires those around us to lift their eyes to Him as well.