How to pray midnight prayers for breakthrough
Acts chapter 16 verse 25 to 34 documents the story of Paul and Silas praying and giving thanks at midnight until the jail doors opened. Most Christians have heard about this story and many more in the Bible where people prayed for a breakthrough. In fact, stories like this should motivate you to continue praying and giving thanks. The best thing about having a rich prayer life is that there is no right and wrong time to pray. But, today, we will solely focus on the effectiveness of midnight prayers.
So, what does prayer mean to you and how often do you pray? Most of the time, people get so caught up in this world that they forget the whole purpose of prayer. It is not about asking God to bless you alone; prayer is a chance for you to worship and communicate with God.
Importance of midnight prayers
An active prayer life helps you connect with God. Here some more reasons while prayers at midnight are essential.
- You draw closer to God
As a child of God, your sole motivation should be to draw closer to your father. You will only do this by following His word (Bible teachings) and praying.
- Prayer helps you get rid of negative habits
When you focus on God and His word, you are more likely to want to live a life that is pleasing to Him. In the process, you can be able to overcome temptations and habits that are not in line with God’s commandments. Also, as you pray and evaluate your life, you will be able to take stock of your life and ask for forgiveness.
- Prayer helps you deal with the enemy
Ephesians chapter 6 verse 12 states that the believers battle is against spiritual forces. As such, the Bible urges Christians to stay in the word of God (Ephesians 6: 10-18) and to be alert and pray all the time.
- Prayers enable breakthroughs in your life
If you need midnight prayers testimonies of breakthroughs, refer to the book of Acts chapter 16. Also, there are other instances in the Bible where people received breakthroughs because they sought God in prayer. So, go on your knees and present all your worries and expectations to God.
How to Pray midnight prayers
Now that you know the importance of midnight prayers in Christianity, below is a guide to help you make effective prayers at midnight.
1. Listen to God
God will hear your pleas for mercy, grace, and blessings but, how often do you stop and listen to Him first? Through reading and meditating on the scripture, you will be able to know what God wants and expects. Also, you will learn about all the promises God made for his children. In fact, you can reference some prayers made in the Bible by great men and women including Daniel (Daniel 9: 1-19) and Hannah (1 Samuel 2:1-20).
2. Evaluate yourself
With the knowledge of God words, search your heart and mind and see if there is something you have done that is not pleasing and repent. John 5:17 urges Christians to keep God’s word at heart so that when you ask for anything via prayer, you may receive it. When praying, you should get rid of all destruction including the mental and physical barriers.
3. Thank God
The best way to start a prayer is by acknowledging what God has already done for you. Do not primarily focus on material benefits or blessings. Instead, thank God for the gifts of joy, patience, peace, and grace. Remind yourself how He has walked with you throughout your life and thank Him for his goodness.
4. Express your desires with emotions
Do not be afraid to tell God how you feel. In Psalms 141, David cries out to the Lord to shield him from his enemies and temptations. Similarly, Daniel pleaded with God in prayer to turn away His wrath from Jerusalem. While you do this, acknowledge the nature of God as Daniel did in Daniel 9:18.
5. Ask with faith
When offering midnight prayers for a breakthrough, make sure you ask for what you need. Matthew 7:7 and James 4:2 reminds Christians that you lack because you fail to ask.
6. Keep in mind God’s will and timing
Maybe, your breakthrough has not happened because it is not in line with God’s word. In other cases, your breakthrough is dependent on God’s timing. Therefore, when you ask according to God’s purpose in your life, He will surely answer (1 John 5:14).
7. Demonstrate your seriousness
Even after asking, show God how much you need the breakthrough. You can do this by emulating Daniel who committed to fast for 21 days and practiced spiritual discipline. Better yet, you can present the same issue to God each day until He answers.
8. Testify of God’s goodness
When you receive an answer, give thanks and testify to others what God has done for you.
9. Continue seeking God
Prayer does not stop at the breakthrough. Make seeking God part and parcel of your daily life. The Bible encourages Christians to prioritize the Kingdom of God then you shall receive all you need (Luke 12:31). Also, Hebrews 11:6 reminds believers that God rewards those who seek Him tirelessly.
The effectiveness of midnight prayers
Prayers offered to God at any time including midnight will work. Paul and Silas serve as an example of brethren who received their breakthrough because of midnight prayers. As a believer, it is your understanding of God that primarily shapes your prayers life and the likelihood of success (breakthrough). So, if you see God as a father you can be able to take your pleas, and petitions before Him confidently. But if you misunderstand the nature of God, prayer becomes but a duty or standard procedure.
Scriptures on midnight prayers
Apart from Acts 16:24-35 here are some verses that speak about midnight prayers.
- Psalms 119: 62
The Psalmist states that he will wake up at midnight to give thanks to the Lord.
- Lamentations 2:19
The verse encourages believers to wake up at night and pour out their Heart to God.
- Luke 6:12
Even though this verse does not primarily talk about midnight, it shows us how Jesus led by example when he went to the mountain to pray all night.
While you offer midnight prayers, always remember God’s promises and his nature. Isaiah 59:1 reminds believers that God saves and God hears.