The Power of Prayer and Praise to God

“At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them.” [1]

What did Paul and Silas do in prison? What was the outcomes of their actions?

Paul and Silas prayed, presumably aloud, and sang hymns to God. This does not a normally happen when two men are locked up for doing good. They had every reason to cry injustice and complain, but instead, they prayed and sang. The prisoners listened.

With Jesus their heart-breaking situation gave way to shining the Gospel light amidst people sitting in darkness. The world offers division, complaint, strife, anger, victimhood, guilt, shame, and pride. Jesus offers a grateful heart that can “give thanks in all circumstances.” [2]

Paul and Silas had the promise from Jesus of a glorious resurrection. Even if they were executed, they would rise again. Jesus said, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” [3]

What did the prisoners hear spilling out from Paul and Silas amidst their trials? What are our listeners hearing us say?

The example of Paul and Silas moved their jailer to ask them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” [4]

It is highly probable, based on the outcomes recorded in this Bible story, that if we sincerely pray to God and loudly praise Him with song, someone will ask us how they too can be saved.

[1] Acts 16:25
[2] 1 Thessalonians 5:18
[3] Matthew 5:11-12
[4] Acts 16:30