The Miracle of Praise in Papua New Guinea

The Miracle of Praise in Papua New Guinea

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, I bring you a story of faith, perseverance, and the power of praise that reminds us of God's unchanging might and mercy. As we are gathered in the embrace of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, let us remember that miracles still happen when we lift our voices to worship the Lord, the God of Armies, the God of gods, Christ Jesus, The Lion of the tribe of Judah.

A Child’s Cry in the Land of Papua New Guinea

Far away in the lush, mountainous landscapes of Papua New Guinea lived a woman named Elimaneh and her only child, Johna. Johna was born blind, and though he was a source of immense joy to his mother, her heart ached every day, longing for him to experience the beauty of God’s creation.

Elimaneh was a devout Christian, and through the internet, she found the God of Armies Prayer Community. She faithfully followed our consecrations and joined her voice to ours in prayers of praise. Her favorite prayer was the "God of Armies Prayer," which she recited daily with Johna beside her.

Prayer of the God of Armies

Faith Rooted in the Word

As Elimaneh prayed, she drew inspiration from the Scriptures:

The Healing of the Blind Man (John 9:1–7): “As Jesus went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus replied, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”

The Victory of Praise (2 Chronicles 20:21–22): “Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness... As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against their enemies.”

Elimaneh believed that if God could work wonders through praise in the Bible, He could do it again for her Johna.

The Night of Deliverance

One night, during our consecration prayers, Elimaneh and Johna knelt in their small wooden home. As they sang repeatedly:

God of Armies, God of gods, Christ Jesus, be praised forever, You are the greatest spiritual being of all time. Amen.

When news of Johna's healing spread, their village was amazed. Many gathered to hear Elimaneh testify, and she shared how worshipping with the God of Armies Prayer Community had brought her closer to Jesus. She echoed the Psalmist:

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)

This miracle brought a revival to their community. Families began gathering nightly to pray, and even those who had doubted God joined them.

Reflections on the Power of Praise

1. God Dwells in Praise (Psalm 22:3): “Yet You are enthroned as the Holy One; You are the one Israel praises.” Just as God inhabited the praises of His people in Elimaneh’s home, He dwells in our praises today.

2. Faith Makes Miracles Possible (Mark 11:24): “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Elimaneh’s unwavering faith unleashed the miraculous power of God.

3. Worship as a Weapon (Acts 16:25–26): When Paul and Silas prayed and sang hymns in prison, the foundations of the prison shook, and their chains fell off. Similarly, Johna’s healing came during praise.

A Story Within the Story

I am reminded of another story. A young woman in Nigeria named Cecilia, a dedicated missionary in our community, often shares how praising God in the darkest moments of her life brought her peace. She once said, "When I had nothing but faith, I had everything because I had God."

This, beloved, is the essence of our call as the God of Armies Prayer Community: to trust, worship, and praise God, knowing that He is the greatest spiritual being of all time.

A Call to Worship and Faith

As we meditate on Johna’s miracle, let us renew our commitment to praise God, even in the midst of trials. Remember, when we worship, we call upon the Lord of Hosts, and great things happen.

As St. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary intercede for us, and may miracles continue to unfold in our community and beyond.

Closing Prayer

O Lord, God of Armies, we thank You for Johna’s healing and for the gift of faith You have planted in our hearts. May we always trust in Your power and worship You with all that we are. Bless every member of this community and let Your miracles shine as a testament to Your glory.

Amen.

In deep praises, the atmosphere in their home changed.

Suddenly, Johna shouted, "Mama! I see light!" Elimaneh froze, tears streaming down her face, as Johna described the flickering candlelight in the room. God had opened his eyes during their worship!

Witnessing God’s Miracles