Acts 16:16-40
Have you ever been in a situation where all you can do is pray? Paul and Silas were just stripped, beaten, and thrown in prison. As they were in their cell, they began to pray and sing hymns to God about the midnight hour while all the other prisoners heard them. Suddenly an earthquake hit, causing the foundation of the prison to shake, opening the prison's doors and loosening everyone's chains. There is power in your praise. When you pray out loud and worship as if no one is watching, the heavens begin to open, and chains begin to break. There is power in praise no matter the season, situation, location, or hour. Paul and Silas' worship literally erupted the foundations where they were, which caused the doors to open and the chains of EVERYONE there to loosen. Your praise can reach those around you and cause their chains to be loosened. The prisoners didn't join them in prayer but were still impacted and influenced by their worship. It was only two of them that caused the eruption that opened doors, broke chains of prisoners, and touched the life of the guard. God can use your praise to bring restoration, freedom, and salvation to your homes, jobs, and schools. What I find interesting is that Paul, nor Silas, were preaching or teaching but still a guard, and his family was brought to salvation. Teaching and preaching are necessary but don't under-look the power of your prayers and the power of your praise.
Prayer:
Thank you, Jesus! You are a good, good father. Thank you for all you've done, everything you're doing, and everything you will continue to do. Help me worship you in the good times and the bad. Enable my praise and worship to reach, touch, and transform those around me for your honor and glory. Anoint my lips and every word spoken so that people hear, see, and feel you and you alone. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
Worship Song: