JOYFUL IN PRAYER
Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. John 16:22
We’re living in crazy times, aren’t we? I’m sure every generation has said that but we are witnessing things like never before. The world appears out of control and its values seem to be the opposite of God’s values. Life is hard and sometimes we can feel like aliens because we don’t belong here, where good is bad and bad is good.
That’s the bad news! But the good news is we have the Good News, God’s Word, and His promises! That gives us joy!
Joy is a funny thing! It’s different than happiness. Happiness is something we pursue, it’s temporary, based on external circumstances. But joy? Joy is deeper than happiness! We can experience joy when we are hurting and in trouble because joy is based on God’s presence within us! The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit! He gives us His power, wisdom, guidance, and joy!
It’s easy to get discouraged. Even when life is difficult now, one day we will rejoice. In fact, we can rejoice now! We can’t live in the past, fight with others, or be negative when we rejoice always! In celebrating Easter, we know Jesus conquers sin and death, God is for us and He comes through! We don’t need to fret or worry about what’s happening in our world but look forward in confidence to Jesus’ coming to reign forever. The apostle Paul was content and full of joy, even in prison, because no matter what happened to him, Jesus was with him. We can reflect the same inner attitude in spite of outward circumstances because we have Jesus too! Thank God! That’s the key to immeasurable joy: a thankful heart and living in intimate contact with Christ! That’s something no one can take away from us!
One way to have that intimate connection with Jesus is through prayer. John 16:24 says “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” It is by Jesus’ authority that we have the privilege of asking and receiving in prayer. When we pray in His name, and in His will; we will receive, and our joy will be made full. We can thank God and rest in His promises. We can rejoice and celebrate all day long, regardless of life’s circumstances; past, present, and future!
It is our joy to bring Andrew, Kevin, and our entire Palau team to Jesus in prayer. Be prepared to be amazed as we see how God answers them! Our Palau team sacrificially brings the Good News of Jesus to a hurting world so that others can have the gift of salvation and joy for today and always.
Mark your calendars for April 26th, 1pm Pacific Time, 2pm Mountain Time, 3pm Central Time, and 4pm Eastern Time as we pray for LPA in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please join us and share in our joy?
Praying in the joyful power of Jesus’ name,
Gail Stockamp
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).
PRAYER REPORT
Please enjoy opening the update below and keeping all the regions in your prayers: