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  WHEN DO WE PRAISE
  by Charles E. Cowman
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Summary: Jesus' example of giving thanks before the miracle of
resurrection teaches us the importance of praise as a preparatory
ministry to the working of miracles in our lives.

Topics: "Praise And Worship", "Power Of Prayer"
Scripture References: Psalm 100:4, John 11:41, Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Hebrews 13:15

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DESCRIPTION
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Charles E. Cowman preaches on the power of praise and thanksgiving in
connection with prayer, emphasizing the importance of offering gratitude
even before receiving the answer to our prayers. He highlights how Jesus
gave thanks before the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection, showcasing that
praise is a vital preparatory ministry to experiencing miracles. Cowman
encourages believers to adopt a posture of thanksgiving, as it pleases
God and blesses the one who prays, sharing a personal testimony of how
thanksgiving transformed his own dark situation in China.

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CONTENT
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"And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou
hast heard me" (John 11:41).

This is a very strange and unusual order. Lazarus is still in the grave,
and the thanksgiving precedes the miracle of resurrection. I thought
that the thanksgiving would have risen when the great deed had been
wrought, and Lazarus was restored to life again. But Jesus gives thanks
for what He is about to receive. The gratitude breaks forth before the
bounty has arrived, in the assurance that it is certainly on the way.
The song of victory is sung before the battle has been fought. It is the
sower who is singing the song of the harvest home. It is thanksgiving
before the miracle!

Who thinks of announcing a victory-psalm when the crusaders are just
starting out for the field? Where can we hear the grateful song for the
answer which has not yet been received? And after all, there is nothing
strange or forced, or unreasonable in the Master's order. Praise is
really the most vital preparatory ministry to the working of the
miracles. Miracles are wrought by spiritual power. Spiritual power is
always proportioned to our faith.--Dr. Jowett

PRAISE CHANGES THINGS

Nothing so pleases God in connection with our prayer as our praise, and
nothing so blesses the man who prays as the praise which he offers. I
got a great blessing once in China in this connection. I had received
bad and sad news from home, and deep shadows had covered my soul. I
prayed, but the darkness did not vanish. I summoned myself to endure,
but the darkness only deepened. Just then I went to an inland station
and saw on the wall of the mission home these words: "Try Thanksgiving."
I did, and in a moment every shadow was gone, not to return. Yes, the
Psalmist was right, "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord."--
Rev. Henry W. Frost

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/charles-e-cowman/when-do-we-praise/
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