In Revelation 7:12 we read that the angels, elders, and four living creatures worshiped saying “Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” What are they doing? My guess is that these principalities knew how to pray. They have been doing it for thousands of years. According to the dictionary, these words have full meanings. Perhaps if we had better insight to the meanings we might be able to pray more like the heavenly hosts.
Praise is expressing enthusiastic approval, or favorable judgment. One with no driving violations or accidents is a “good driver.” Someone who makes delicious baked goods is a “good baker.” We praise for something that has become part of their character.
Glory is to elevate God in our lives, acknowledging he is above our circumstances. We assign high status to him. “Every knee must bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” If we are not careful, we can even glory in our own accomplishments by lifting ourselves up. Give God the glory.
Wisdom describes the ability to discern inner qualities and inner relationships. One who has wisdom has the good sense to bring about a good result under any circumstance. We can ascribe to the Lord the ability to choose the right path for us. We use wisdom to make good decisions.
Thanks is an expression of gratitude for what has been done or given. If someone bakes you a cake, it is proper to thank them for the cake. Thanking them for being a good baker is giving praise not thanks. One can be a good baker and never give you a cake.
Honor means to show merited respect to one whose worth brings respect and public esteem. We honor those in the military or those in high public office.
Power is the ability to act and produce an effect. Judges have the power to convict or acquit law breakers. Water has the power to erode rocks or turn turbines for electrcity.
Strength is having the ability to resist legal, logical, or moral force. We stand in strength, not in power. Asking for strength to go forward is incorrect. Asking for strength to resist the devil or assaults is correct. Asking for strength to stay the course you believe is ordained by God despite opposition is appropriate.
Using this knowledge of these words proclaimed by the heavenly host, we can adjust our prayers to align with their prayers. An example for the issue of physical healing would be:
I praise you Lord that you are my healer. You are the great Physician (praise). You are higher than any disease or infirmity (glory). Your wisdom will bring the circumstances surrounding me to my benefit. Your wisdom to the doctors and all those who minister to me will bring about your expected healing (wisdom). I honor those who are working on your behalf for you are the mighty God (honor). By your power they shall advance against this infirmity {name it} (power). By your strength I can withstand the process and any assaults that may come against me (strength). Thank you for this complete healing you are doing in my body. Thank you for gathering this team of professionals to care for me (thanks).
Of course we would like an instant healing and recovery, however, the healing process with others ministering to us is no less a miracle.
The different aspects of prayer do not have to be in a specific order. Just be aware of having all present. This way of thinking refines the way we pray and allows us pray with the power of heaven. Too often prayer becomes self- focused whining and complaining. Our coming into agreement with the heavenly host is heaven focused.
Identify a prayer that is on your heart. Pray with these points in mind. Complete, short effective prayers will keep you focused. Write it below.
Prayer focus: ______________________________________________
Praise____________________________________________________
Glory_____________________________________________________
Honor_____________________________________________________
Wisdom___________________________________________________
Power_____________________________________________________
Strength___________________________________________________
Thanks____________________________________________________