WHEN YOU PRAY, REJOICE

12/6/2023

"About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them" (Acts 16:25).

Midnight can mean many things to different people, from crises in finances, ministry, and health to just about anything outside of God's will for your life. These are times when you may feel alone, and you know for sure that you need a supernatural intervention. Paul and Silas found themselves in such a predicament; the Bible recounts their ordeal of being stripped, beaten, and incarcerated with no intention of release. Perhaps you're facing a situation that has stripped away reputation, employment, dignity, or more, appearing as an endless plight. It could involve a loved one ensnared in a destructive lifestyle (such as drugs, prostitution, debt, drinking) or receiving a life-threatening diagnosis with no known human solution.

If any of this resonates with you, God is calling you to cheer up because the power of change lies within you. Just as Paul and Silas prayed, if you would pray with the victory and wisdom in your spirit, you will experience the same joyous outcome. The victory is already yours—Hallelujah!

There's something remarkable about Paul and Silas; they began singing and rejoicing even while still in chains. What does that signify? It reveals that their source of joy was the Holy Spirit, enabling them to see beyond the visible. Their prayers stirred something in their spirits, and as they continued rejoicing, the Bible records, "Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once, all the doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose." I believe it was their combined prayer and rejoicing that brought about these miracles. Simply praying or rejoicing alone wouldn't have sufficed. Their prayers were infused with faith, leading to rejoicing—an act of faith triggering the release of the desired miracle.

I've observed many people pray, and often, their countenance doesn't reflect that they received from God. This might be because they weren't taught that when praying, it's crucial to believe that you have already received. As Jesus stated in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." The manifestation of having received is demonstrated through rejoicing. Consider if Paul and Silas had waited for the miracle to occur before singing and rejoicing; they would likely have languished in prison. While praying is important, especially in challenging midnight situations, it's not sufficient on its own. 

What, then, must you do? Rejoice when you pray, for your joy serves as the catalyst for unleashing the sudden supernatural manifestation of the Holy Ghost. Isaiah 12:3 affirms, "With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation." Your prayer stirs the power within, and through rejoicing, you release the power to perform wonders. Praise God!

God bless you!

Faith Filled Confession:

I will express gratitude to the Lord through songs, acknowledging His remarkable deeds; I will proclaim His goodness to the ends of the earth. With loud cries and shouts of joy, I will celebrate the greatness of the Holy One of Israel in all aspects of my life (Isaiah 12:4-6).

Prayer Points:

Psalm 122:6, "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May they prosper who love you."

• Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. 

• Pray against plans to use the crises in Israel to launch other attacks in the United States.

• Pray for Washington and all who are in positions of authority in the United States.

One Year Reading Plan: Ezekiel 45-46; 2 Peter 3