Word for Today.....Power of Prayer & Praise
Scripture: And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened and every one's bands were loosed. Acts 16:25-26
EVERYONE'S BANDS WERE LOOSED!!!!
Paul and Silas had been beaten and thrown into prison simply for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The many stripes they had laid upon them were very sore, and you might have expected to hear them complaining of the rawness and soreness of their backs and shoulders. Not to mention, they were in the inner prison, their feet in the stocks, which, some think, not only held them, but hurt them; and yet, at midnight, when they should have been crying, they prayed and sang praises to God.
This was not simply a time of prayer, but a "midnight" prayer; it was not in a house of prayer, but in a dungeon; yet the prayer was acceptable. It is at those times that we many times lose it and being to complain and wonder has God really give us the vision that we are trying to fulfill. We began to wonder if God is with us or not. However, if we are facing afflictions, the bible says, “Is any afflicted? Let him pray.” No trouble, no matter how grievous, should hinder us from prayer. Next, they praised God; for we have been commanded “in every thing give thanks”. They not only praised God, but they sang praises to him. They sang so loud that there neighbors heard the praises. That is how we should react to trouble. Instead of telling our troubles to our neighbors, we should praise God so much that they take notice. Paul and Silas praised God for the miraculous favor that would be shown to ALL for the sake of Paul and Silas. They praised God for being counted worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ.
Right in the middle of their praise & worship service the earth began to shake and the doors of the prison were opened and EVERYONE’S shackles were released. Those men praised God until their neighbors were delivered. The power of prayer and praise is effective! If we can ever understand the power that praise and prayer can bring not only to us, but also the people around us. However, we have to stop thinking about where we are and think about WHOSE we are. Stop being can't be concerned about what is going on around us or what trouble we are in, but WHO is in you. Praise is a weapon that we have the God-given right to use when we are locked in the prisons of our lives.
Be Blessed!
