Scripture focus: “…to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” — Isaiah 61:3

1) A Safe Place to Be Fully Seen

Coming out of last week’s session—and the honest conversation led by one of our intercessors and matriarchs—one truth rang clear: this space isn’t about performance or pretence. It’s a place to breathe, tell the truth, and be met by the Holy Spirit.

She shared a vision of the foundation of this ministry—a pyramid of women acrobats—each one standing firm in prayer, Scripture, Bible study, and genuine friendship. Together, they lift and steady one another so that no one falls. This is what the Father is building through Alethea Women: not platforms, but pillars; not stars, but sisters.

“Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

2) Beauty for Ashes: The Exchange of Garments

When we revisited Isaiah 61:3, the phrase “garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” stood out like a holy invitation. Another women expounded using her bible devotional put  this way: praise isn’t a flimsy scarf thrown over the shoulders—it’s a garment we wrap around ourselves so there are no openings for hostile winds to get in.

Sackcloth vs. Praise

In Scripture, sackcloth is a sign of mourning, repentance, and humility (Genesis 37:34; Esther 4:1; Jonah 3:6). It has a place. But it is not our permanent wardrobe. In Jesus, there’s a divine exchange: ashes → beauty, mourning → oil of joy, heaviness → garment of praise.

Praise is not denial; it’s defiance against despair. Sometimes God lifts heaviness in a moment; other times He teaches us to put on praise daily—like a coat we choose to wear before stepping into the cold.

Try this: Stand up, stretch your hands like you’re slipping into a coat and say, “Father, I choose the garment of praise. Wrap me in Your presence today.”

3) Testimonies that Build Faith

• Beauty for ashes at work: One sister faced a hard day, went back to Isaiah 61, and felt uplifted and realigned—choosing praise shifted her focus back to Jesus.

• Another person experience can provide someone with much needed comfort 

• A quiet conversation that changed a life

• Prompted to reach out: A gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit led to a timely prayer. If a name keeps coming to mind, that might be your cue to pray or reach out.

4) Surrender Isn’t Giving Up—It’s Letting God Be God

We heard raw, courageous stories: a sister navigating a painful divorce chose to stop “fighting to be right” and instead surrendered the outcome to God. Another, once consumed by anger and bitterness, learned to run to praise and remember God’s track record when emotions surged.

Surrender isn’t passivity; it’s a posture. It sounds like:

• “I don’t understand the timing, but I trust Your heart.”

• “I feel the heaviness—and I choose praise.”

• “Correct me through community; don’t let me drift.”

“We bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD…”
Sometimes praise is costly—and that’s why it’s powerful.

5) Discipleship, Not Just Devotion

God reminded us: Alethea is discipleship in motion. This is where we walk with one another through honest seasons—healing, correction, courage, new obedience. Some of you are living last year’s testimony for someone else right now. Your oil was crushed for a purpose.

This month, let’s practice praise as a posture and community as a discipline:

• Be reachable. If someone shares something personal within a group, respond. Pray. Let her feel covered.

• Be honest. Masking blocks ministry. Truth makes space for healing.

• Be obedient. If the Spirit highlights a name—move: pray, text, voice-note, call.

Reflection & Response

1. Which garment am I wearing most—sackcloth or praise?

2. Where is God inviting me to surrender control and choose trust?

3. Who is the Holy Spirit highlighting for me to encourage or cover this week?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the holy exchange—beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for heaviness. Wrap us in Your presence. Teach our souls to bless You. Knit us together as oaks of righteousness—steadfast, rooted, lifting one another. We surrender outcomes and choose obedience and praise. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Stay Close—Stay Covered

We’ll continue at 5:00am GMT this month. Watch the WhatsApp group for updates and ways to serve, testify, and intercede. If you’re new and would like to join the WhatsApp community, let us know—we’d love to lift you into the pyramid.

Your honesty is holy. Your healing is happening. Put on the garment of praise.