Journey of Prayer: Day 36
Journey of Prayer
Day 36
Monday, February 22,2021
But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Acts 16:25-26
For the full story please read Acts 16:22-34.
We find ourselves at the beginning of the last week of this 40 day journey of prayer. Are you heading in to the home stretch , two hands up praising or are you on your hands and knees inching slowly towards home base? Depending on the day, I might answer that question in a variety of ways. As I examine my prayer list, there are places I have actually raised my hands up in praise because I have SEEN movement. There are also places where I feel like I am the hands and knees crawler saying the same words day after day not seeing anything . It’s fair for me to say just because I don't SEE any movement doesn’t mean there is nothing going on. Yes indeed, God is far bigger than I can recognize and works on my behalf even when I can’t see. Hallelujah to that ! I wonder why this is sometimes such a revelation to me? It’s so easy for me to forget when I’m all caught up in my chains.
What I want is to be more like Paul and Silas.They had every reason to feel completely hopeless: Prison, beatings, feet in chains, bloody, weary, cold, with a dose of fear and pain. This story could have easily taken a turn in the direction that circumstances leads one to believe…. BUT for God. Paul and Silas chose to sing and praise the Lord. I can only imagine as their audience listened to their words and melodies the despair in the air was somehow turning into a hope previously thought dead. Wouldn’t this be exactly the medicine we would want if we put ourselves in their shoes?
I came across a list of 5 reasons to praise God that are backed up with scripture. I want to be reminded of this list when I’m in my place of despair:
Praise gets your focus off yourself (Psalm 35:28)
Praise brings you to the place of humility (Psalm 35:18).
Praise makes the enemy flee from you (2 Chronicles 20:23).
Praise replaces complaining (Hebrew 13:15)
Praise invites the Holy Spirit’s presence (Psalm 22:3).
I want all of those things on that list. But first I need to make a choice just as Paul and Silas did. I need to praise even when I see or feel nothing. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Remember it’s not about me, rather it’s about my Creator. He is worthy of praise even when I’m in my chains. In fact, He has the power to open those chains and set me free just like He did in our focus verse. Our job is to keep on praying and keep our eyes focused on Him for we never know when an answer to prayer is just moments away.
When you think of praise songs that bring peace and lifts despair, what comes to mind? What sweet melodies can you and I sing to Him today? Some of us may be prisoners in our own jails today and in desperate need of uplifting praise music. I am not a music person per say, but I do love sweet songs that seem to wash away the gloom and bring about bright sunny hope. If you have a song you love, please share it below. We really never know what other “prisoners” are in need of, so be bold and share today.
For further reading: Psalm 42:8; Psalm 142:7; Psalm 146:2
Dearest Bondage Breaker,
Come to our rescue today and break the many chains that can bind our Soul Sisters and those we are lifting up in prayer. Give us a hope that brings peace, grace, and faith in You. Help us to see what our part is today and how we might choose to praise. Give us hearts to want to do this and give us the words and songs to praise You no matter what we see around us. Lord, you have the power to break all the chains . Make us a group of prayerful, praying women that recognize this life is not our own but rather a gift from You. Amen.
