POWERFUL PRAYERFUL RELEASE

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Today’s Readings:

Acts 16:22-34

Psalm 138:1-3,7-8

John 16:5-11

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Paul and Silas challenge our faith today. They enjoyed success in all the places they visited and preached in the course of their missionary journeys. But there are a few cities where they encountered hostility, either as a result of jealousy or because their teaching was strange and unpleasant. They ended up in Philippi where they preached to some people and made a great convert in the person of Lydia. Afterwards, they encountered a very hostile crowd there. They were brought before a magistrate who ordered them to be stripped, flogged and thrown in jail. The jailer was told to keep an eye on them so that they do not escape. He resorted to extreme measures; he threw them into the deepest part of the prison so that there was no hope of escape. He fastened their feet in stocks so that movement was difficult. These are the sorts of measures you take to secure prisoners who have attempted prison breaks. Humanly speaking, they couldn't escape. May God turn all your impossibilities today into possibilities and testimonies in Jesus’ name.

What did they do? They prayed. Why should they pray? They had given everything to God’s work. They have served God with their lives and here is how God supposedly repays them, by having them humiliated, flogged and jailed. But they prayed. They understood something we find difficult to comprehend today— there is more opposition the closer you are to your goal. And so, they prayed. They thanked God for the opportunity they had to suffer for Him; to prove their love for Him. And then they praised God. They thanked God for who He is. They didn’t pray to be set free. They did not ask for the punishment of their oppressors. They did not pray for the destruction of their enemies. They focused on giving glory to God. May God give you the inspiration to praise Him in times of trouble and grant your good heart desires in Jesus’ name.

What followed was a miracle upon miracle. The jail was rocked to its foundation by an earthquake. All the doors in the prison flung open. And all the prisoners were set free. Yet, none of the prisoners came out of their cells. That is a miracle! The presence of God transformed everyone in that prison. That is the power of praise and prayer. May God fill your mouth with prayer instead of worries and fill your heart with praise instead of blame in Jesus’ name. May wonders begin to happen in your situation as you call on God’s name right now in Jesus’ name.

In your difficulty, in your loneliness, in your emotional and financial challenges, pray to God and praise Him. Pray for the strength and courage to hold on in the face of stiff opposition, humiliation and suffering. Praise God for who He is because He is using that situation to turn so many things around in your life. May God reveal Himself to you in your situation and grant you the fruits of your labour in Jesus’ name. Amen. Peace be with you.

JUDE-MARY OWOH

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To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.

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Prayer:

1. May God fill your mouth with prayer and your heart with praise to tear down every evil stronghold over your life. You are victorious in Jesus' name. Amen.