Gracious Father,
I am reminded today of Paul and Silas – beaten, imprisoned and in chains – yet able to praise with hymns and prayers to You. May this serve as a visual reminder to each of us. Whatever our own personal “chains” might be – affliction, addiction, lack, even personal heartache, please remind us that we can be joyful and prayerful in spirit.
Forgive us, Lord, when we forget these principles. Forgive us when we wallow in self-pity and self-absorption and fail to think of anyone except for ourselves. Forgive us when we allow the strain of the chains on our life to pull us down, instead of pulling us to the foot of the cross.
As You and Your power appeared on the scene of Paul and Silas’ imprisonment, we are certain that Your Holy Spirit will move on behalf of each of us. Not only were Paul and Silas freed by Your power, others were brought to a point of salvation. May You work the same way in our lives – in desperate, difficult times. May our “light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Needs are numerous, Father. I cannot even name all who are hurting, undergoing treatment, battling infections, facing difficult decisions, enduring unemployment, fighting for their families, or who are lost and have never known You as their personal Savior. Yet, I am praying and trusting that You personally know each life situation. Move in the midst of each and every battle, we ask, Lord.
“We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests” (Psalm 20:5).
And so may it be, that these and all other requests will be granted by our Father.
In Jesus’ All Powerful Name I pray. AMEN.
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