THERE IS POWER IN PRAYER

Acts 16:20-26 states,

“[20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, [21] And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. [22] And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. [23] And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: [24] Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. [25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. [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 every one's bands were loosed.”

In Acts 16:20-26 we see that Paul and Silas were arrested and beaten in Philippi.  While in custody in the dungeon their feet were bound.  They were found praying and singing.  Everything was against them and it would appear as though they were powerless against their captives.  However in spite of what appeared to be defeat they were praying and singing.  Let me say that again they were praying and singing.  What happened next was an act of the sovereign God who has all power. 

In Acts 16:26 the Bible says,

“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.”

Paul and Silas prayers were answered by God with a response that no one could deny God’s sovereignty, power and authority.  The Prison was shaken with so much force that the doors and restraints fastening all of the prisoners were broken, making them all free.  What happened next was remarkable, the jailor after being awaken from sleep by the shaking thought that all the prisoners had all escaped. 

The jailor realizing he would have been put to death by the Philippian Magistrate once this was discovered took out his sword and attempted to kill himself.  Paul seeing this commanded the jailor not to harm himself because the prisoners we’re all there and accounted for.  The jailor dropped to the ground before Paul and asked what must I do to be saved.  Immediately that night he and his whole family were baptized.

These events don’t happen without the faith, prayers and singing of Paul and Silas; in a moment which appeared to be defeat but through God’s divine power resulted in victory.

This is the power of prayer in full display.  We must  understand that prayer is a powerful weapon.  Not only were the lives of Paul and Silas saved but the lives of the Phillipian Jailor and his entire household were saved as they were forever changed by their encounter with God.

Throughout the Bible scripture gives us evidence of the power we have through God when we pray:

Mark 11:24 KJV

“Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

Philippians 4:6 KJV

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

1 John 5:14-15 KJV

“[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.”

God does not leave His children powerless.  In our weakness He becomes our strength.  His strength in our circumstances is amplified by our faith and prayers.

Child of God:

• Chains still fall.

• Doors still open.

• Lives are still transformed.

There is POWER IN PRAYER!