Paul and Silas, undaunted, prayed in the middle of the night and sang songs of praise to God, while all the other prisoners listened to their worship. Suddenly, a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. All at once every prison door flung open and the chains of all the prisoners came loose.
Acts 16:25‭-‬26 TPT

There are three things I briefly want to touch on in these 2 verses.

One being, there were people surrounding Paul & Silas who were listening to their prayers and praises to God.

The second thing is that even in the midst of being “chained down” and imprisoned, they still praised God for how good he is.

The third being, because of the power of their praise and prayer, it set other people who were bound down free. Their praise shook the very foundation where they were held captive and bound down.

In conclusion, the very words we speak to the father and the praises that come put of our mouth are powerful and yes, people are listening. They may not say they are, but people’s true desire in their heart is the love of Jesus. No matter the circumstance, even if we feel bound, we should be inclined to have communion with Abba and praise him. He never changes and his love endures. Therefore, our praise should be endless too. Our praise can be the very thing that not only sets us free but shakes the foundations of hell (prison one is entrapped in) and sets other people free around us too.

At first glance, you see that Paul and Silas prayer & praise set them free. Yet, in reality, it shook the foundation that kept them and others captive. Their prayer and praise broke the chains that bound them down and set them free into what God had called them to do.

My encouragment to you this morning is, in every circumstance pray and praise. God hears every word you speak and your praise to the father loosens things that have tried to keep you bound! Not only that, but people are watching. Do not be a people pleaser, but a God pleaser. My prayer is that our prayer and praise is so contagious is free’s others just as Paul and Silas.

The words you speak, the prayers you give unto the father, and the praise you bring are all contagious and have the power to shake the foundations of hell. God has given you to the power to praise and pray in every circumstance. Even when you are not sure what to say, the spirit will speak for you. When you feel weary, he will give you strength. When you feel bound, he sets you free. When you feel like you are just surviving, he brings you to a place of living abundantly!

There is nothing he won’t do for us.

In every circumstance pray and praise. You never know what new freedom is awaiting you or the freedom it may bring to who you are surrounded by. There is nothing God won’t do. Hell cannot stand a chance. The victory is already won. For the power, the glory, are yours Lord forever and ever. Amen!

Scripture for Meditation & Application

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalms 34:1 NKJV

Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
Psalms 47:1 NKJV

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:26 NKJV

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NKJV

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:31‭-‬39 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6‭-‬7 NKJV

There is something that has been laying on my heart rather heavy lately and that is: Our Priorities.

We live in a world that will do anything it can to distract you from your relationship with God and him being rightfully placed at the throne of your heart. Anything we put before him is what we call an idol. As we read throughout scripture, worshiping idols are REALLY bad. We see this in both the Old Testament all the way to Revelation. But often I think because we aren’t worshiping a golden calf that we think we don’t have an idolatry problem.

We are all worshiping something…What are you worshiping?

It is ultimately up to you whether God has the throne of your heart. You can easily put things or people above God. Your spouse, children, addiction to sex, drugs, alcohol, social media, and even food can be a problem. We all have been there or are dealing with this right now. What I have come to find is that when we put our crazy schedule above church on Sunday morning or quiet time with God, we look to fill that void in other things or people, creating even more of an idolatry problem.

Not only that, but when our relationship with God isn’t our number one priority, all the priorities below are completely out of order too!

When I put my relationship with God in its rightful place, above my husband, our marriage flourishes. When I MAKE TIME to spend time with God, my mind is renewed. When I MAKE TIME to renew my mind my heart is lined up with God’s and I reflect the character of Christ. When I trust God with our finances, he provides. When I actively look for fellowship with other women, I am encouraged and filled. This all has to do with us putting forth the effort…

Our relationship with God takes time and dedication. It takes us putting down what we want and our selfish nature and listening to Holy Spirit and what God wants. I have never regretted a time I have been obedient to God. It is actively being aware of the world and it’s distractions. The Spiritual War we are in is the real deal ya’ll! Walking with God takes a lot of opening your heart and seeing that there is some work to be done and allowing God to change you from the inside out. Starting with your heart and mind.

I am not perfect. I will continue to grow until Jesus comes back or I go to my eternal home. I have to ask Holy Spirit to search my thoughts and my heart. I don’t want anything or anyone to be #1 in my life or in my heart besides him. Not even my husband.

This is a time to reflect…

Are you truly putting God first in everything you do or has the world distracted you?

I can say I have been distracted before. I have been that girl to go to food when I am stressed and have a bad day instead of going to God. I was that girl that called someone for advice before casting my cares to God through prayer. You are not alone. I can also say that God has forgiven me and through his word and fellowship with other believers I have the tools to overcome.

If you have something or someone before God, now is the time to ask God for his forgiveness and ask him for the help and Holy Spirit for his guidance. You don’t want anything on the Throne of Your Heart besides God. That just causes a whole lot of unnecessary problems. God being at the Throne of Our Heart is where he belongs. We were made to worship him.