Why Praise Is Your Strongest Weapon | Derek Prince

Summary

Derek Prince teaches that praise can help counter feelings of depression and heaviness, drawing on the biblical image of replacing “the spirit of heaviness” with “the garment of praise.” He shares an account of a man who said a demon left him while a group was praying and praising, illustrating Prince’s belief that praise can be a spiritual weapon.

Prince emphasizes that praise is a sacrifice: it may be hardest—and, in his view, especially meaningful to God—when circumstances are difficult and a person does not feel like praising. He encourages listeners not to let their feelings alone dictate their response, but to follow Scripture and praise in faith. He also presents praise as a way believers can silence Satan, whom he describes as an accuser, and says that even the weakest can use this “weapon.”

Key Strategies and Teachings

• Use praise when feeling weighed down: Turn to praise when experiencing sadness, heaviness, or low spirits.
• Praise even when it is difficult: Treat praise as a sacrifice rather than something dependent on feeling joyful.
• Act in faith during hardship: Praise God when circumstances seem most against you.
• Use Scripture as guidance: Follow the word of God even when it conflicts with your feelings.
• View praise as spiritual resistance: Use praise to silence the enemy and resist accusing or discouraging thoughts.

Presenter and Sources

• Presenter: Derek Prince
• Biblical passages cited: Isaiah 61:3; Jeremiah 33:11; Psalm 8:2; Matthew 21:16