I was reading again this morning, the awe-inspiring account of Paul and Silas in the Roman prison, and it reminded me of the power of prayer and worship… especially in the most dire of circumstances. (Read the story for yourself in Acts 16: 22-40)
Here’s Paul and Silas in stocks and manacled to a wall, locked in a cell kept for the worst of criminals, and they’re worshipping!! Go figure. I’ll be honest, I don’t always feel like praising God when my life feels like it’s fraying at the edges. Yet, I have personally discovered the power of praise, worship and prayer (and prayer in a sense is worship as well) that brings release and perspective. I may not have received specific answers in worship, but have sensed the undoubted love and power of Jesus in the midst of difficulties.
I may not have received specific answers in worship, but I’ve sensed the undoubted love and power of Jesus in the midst of difficulties. Praise precipitates power.
Think about it. Look at what happened as a result of Paul and Silas worshipping and praying.
- The worship and prayer acted as a testimony to the other prisoners.
- Doors opened and chains fell off.
- The jailer and his family come to know Christ
- Paul and Silas released – with honour I might add.
“Praise will lift your perspective to see God’s promise in your problem.”
Steven Furtick
Prayer and Praise is a powerful one-two punch! The evil one can’t get your attention. Indeed he flees when you praise the name of Jesus. You may never see physical chains fall off and doors opened through prayer and praise (although I’ve experienced it once… but that’s a story for another time), but we can expect to see people set free from pain, addiction, and anything in life that binds them to something other than our Saviour! We can see and experience broken lives being put back together; broken relationships begin the process of healing. We can and should expect healing and people coming to Christ through prayer and worship. We can expect to see things turned around for the favour of God’s people, that also gives glory and honour to God.
Praise is incredibly powerful. Begin each day with praise and notice the difference Jesus makes in your life. Life and purpose become clearer, things that weigh heavily on you begin to lift as your praise – whether that’s in prayer or singing – doesn’t matter… and I suggest you try doing it “out loud!” The anointing that comes from praise is amazing because God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3)
So if you’re feeling a little jaded about your role in worship. If you’re wondering if you make any difference. If you have drifted to a worship version of “Groundhog Day” because you’ve been doing it for so long… just remember this: we get to partner with the Holy Spirit when we worship and see extraordinary things done in the name of Jesus. We get to be part of a team that invites, leads and loves people into an intimacy with God that changes everything.
Be encouraged. What you do in ministry and the attitude you bring to it, makes a big difference.
This week, what would it look like for you to begin your day praising our Heavenly Father out loud? Let me know what happens for you.