Prayer should be joyful

"Ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands" (Isa. 55:12). I often think of this verse while I'm enjoying the view of the trees outside my house and watching them swaying in the breeze. Sometimes it's as if they truly are clapping their hands to praise God.

Several months ago, I had an opportunity to prove that I could confidently and joyously applaud and honor God, in spite of the appearance of my body.

For several weeks, I'd been suffering with a very ugly and uncomfortable skin condition. I would pray about it, and it would get a little better. But it always reappeared in a day or two—sometimes even worse than before. When this problem came along, my joy faded considerably. Normally a happy person, I found it hard to be at peace and joyful when I looked and felt awful.

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Testimony of Healing
An hour of prayer
June 11, 2001
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