My Experience with Praise - K. Femi Akojenu

During the late 90s, I attended a conference in California. While resting in my hotel room, an intense wave of emotions and an overwhelming heaviness swept over me, prompting tears - an experience entirely unfamiliar to me. It felt as though I was trapped in a deep, dark place. Amid this feeling of desolation, I turned to God in prayer, seeking understanding: "What is happening to me?" In response, I sensed God urging me, "Begin praising me." So, I started singing various songs of praise. As I sang, I sensed myself being lifted from the metaphorical dungeon, almost as if I were being lifted off the ground. It felt so vivid that I glanced down to check if I was actually floating, only to find my feet firmly planted. Moreover, I saw what appeared to be oil covering the walls. Intrigued, I reached out to touch the walls, but there was no trace of oil. It dawned on me that these sensations—the sensation of elevation and the vision of oil on the walls—were symbolic, representing the presence of the Holy Spirit. It became clear that during my praise, God had come to my aid, confirming the truth that God dwells within the praises of His people, as the Scriptures proclaim.

Praise stands as a potent weapon of spiritual warfare, often underestimated by many believers. If we employ this powerful tool more frequently, we will witness greater triumphs in our lives. Acts 16:25 demonstrates the strength of praise when Paul and Silas, imprisoned, chose to pray and sing hymns at midnight. Their act of praise triggered an earthquake that shook the prison's foundation, breaking their chains. Similarly, if we choose to praise God in the midst of our trials, we can experience deliverance, just as they did.

Back to articles