I do not believe that God works for me but I am laboring over some prayers. They are in a journal that is visited often. I think these two prayers for others fit. I mean “fit” to suggest that they conform with God’s word and, I think, will benefit these good people, thus, benefitting the Kingdom of God. I sound overly confident but time will tell.
So was the case when prisoners were praying, praising, and raising the roof in a jail cell. Paul and Silas were in prison and Acts 16:26, plus surrounding verses, describes the scene. These men were called troublemakers for healing people. Mistake #1. I’ve never understood why magistrates rent off their clothes when declaring a verdict. Mistake #2. Then they beat them. Mistake #3. The two were in the inner prison fastened with stockes. Mistake #4.
There is so much proof to what is not a mistake. Prayer precedes action, and, gratitude, the miracles. Verse 26, “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bands were loosed. Now that is what I am talking about. God is rarely early but never late to do His will. My will might not matter but prayer matters. People got saved because of God’s movement. The guard kneeled down after it was revealed that no one had escaped. His question – Sirs, what must I do to be saved? The answer remains the same for us, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your house will be saved.”
Paul and Silas remained in prison for about a day but their status became quite elevated. The earthquake was a miracle resulting from prayer and praise at midnight that woke other prisoners. Is this a model for prayer? It is for desperate prayers. I want those same results. I want radical movement so that souls are added to this number. Believe, and I and these prayers will be saved. Prayer precedes action, and, gratitude, the miracles. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!