DDPII25 Week 7: Practicing Daily Declarations and Building Faith

Week 7: The Power of Praise and Gratitude in Speech

Speaker Notes for Virtual Academy

 

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Slide 1: Title Slide

Speaker Notes:

“Welcome to Week 7 of the Dispelling Demonic Poetry Virtual Academy!

“In the past six weeks, we have learned how to reject demonic poetry, embrace the language of heaven, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide our speech. But there’s one powerful key that solidifies everything we’ve learned—Praise and Gratitude.

“Praise and gratitude are not just reactions to blessings; they are a spiritual strategy. They shape our speech, transform our mindset, and shift atmospheres.

“Today, we will learn how cultivating a lifestyle of praise and gratitude can help us stay in alignment with God’s will and prevent us from falling back into negative speech patterns.

“Let’s open in prayer:

Father, we thank You for this opportunity to learn more about the power of our words. Teach us to cultivate praise and gratitude in our daily lives, so that our speech reflects Your goodness and faithfulness. Holy Spirit, guide our hearts today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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Slide 2: Why Praise and Gratitude Matter

Speaker Notes:

“Praise and gratitude aren’t just nice things to do—they are essential to our faith.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’

• Praise shifts our focus from problems to God’s power.

• Gratitude reminds us of what God has already done, building faith for what He will do next.

“When we fill our mouths with praise and gratitude, there is less room for fear, negativity, or complaints.”

 

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Slide 3: The Connection Between Praise and Speech

Speaker Notes:

“Our speech is a reflection of our heart.

• Luke 6:45 says: ‘Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.’

• If we want our speech to align with heaven, we must cultivate praise and gratitude in our hearts first.

Question for Reflection:

• What is currently filling your heart? Is it gratitude and praise, or is it worry and frustration?

 

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Slide 4: How Praise Transforms Our Speech

Speaker Notes:

“Praise is a weapon—it is more than a song, it is a declaration of truth.

1. Praise Magnifies God, Not Problems

• When we praise, we shift our focus from the problem to the One who has the solution.

2. Praise Silences the Enemy

• Psalm 8:2 says: ‘Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.’

• Praise shuts down the lies of the enemy and reinforces God’s truth.

3. Praise Breaks Chains and Opens Doors

• Acts 16:25-26 – When Paul and Silas praised in prison, their chains fell off.

• When we praise in difficult situations, we invite supernatural breakthrough.

 

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Slide 5: The Power of Gratitude in Our Speech

Speaker Notes:

“Just like praise, gratitude is a choice. It’s easy to be thankful when things go well, but true gratitude is expressed even when things aren’t perfect.

• Philippians 4:6 – ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’

• Gratitude shifts our words from complaining to confidence in God’s provision.

• Speaking gratitude daily rewires our thinking and strengthens our faith.

Reflection Question:

• When was the last time you thanked God in a difficult moment? How did it affect you?

 

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Slide 6: Practical Ways to Cultivate Praise and Gratitude

Speaker Notes:

“How do we develop a lifestyle of praise and gratitude?

1. Start Every Day with Thanksgiving

• Before asking God for anything, thank Him for what He has already done.

• Example: ‘Lord, I thank You for waking me up today. I thank You for Your love, Your grace, and Your presence in my life.’

2. Speak Praise Over Every Situation

• Even in hardship, declare: ‘God is faithful. I trust His plan.’

• Choose to praise rather than complain.

3. Write a Gratitude Journal

• Every night, write down 3 things you are grateful for.

• This trains your mind to focus on blessings instead of problems.

 

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Slide 7: The Role of Praise in Spiritual Warfare

Speaker Notes:

“Praise is not just a response—it is a weapon in spiritual warfare.

• 2 Chronicles 20:22 – When Israel praised, God defeated their enemies.

• Satan hates praise because it reminds him of his defeat and our victory in Christ.

• When you feel attacked, respond with praise.

Reflection Question:

• What battles in your life can you fight with praise instead of worry?

 

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Slide 8: Speaking Life Through Praise and Gratitude

Speaker Notes:

“Our words have power. When we speak praise and gratitude, we declare life over our circumstances.

• Proverbs 18:21 – ‘The tongue has the power of life and death.’

• What we speak repeatedly becomes the atmosphere around us.

Example:

• Instead of saying ‘I don’t know how I’ll get through this,’

• Say: ‘God is with me, and He will provide a way.’

 

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Slide 9: Reflection and Closing Challenge

Speaker Notes:

“Let’s take a moment to reflect:

1. Do your words reflect a heart of praise and gratitude?

2. What changes can you make this week to shift your speech?

3. How will you intentionally cultivate praise in your daily routine?

Weekly Challenge:

✅ Start every morning with a declaration of praise.
✅ Write down at least one thing you’re grateful for every day.
✅ When you feel negative or discouraged, stop and praise God instead.

 

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Slide 10: Closing Prayer

Speaker Notes:

“Let’s close in prayer.

Father, we thank You for teaching us the power of praise and gratitude. Help us to shift our speech so that we magnify You instead of our problems. Teach us to speak words that bring life, hope, and joy. May our words always reflect Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Thank you for joining today’s lesson! I look forward to hearing how this practice transforms your week. See you next time!”