Prayer and Praise Offered at Midnight
(Ac. 16:25~26)


It is thanksgiving Sunday when we give thanks to God for his grace that has been extended to us throughout the year. Becoming the child of God is the biggest blessing, miracle, and grace while we were living in the sins. Thus, we should give thanks to God regardless of our situations. When the Apostle Paul was in Philippi, although he did not sin, he was struck and put to prison. However, he prayed and gave thanks to God. What kinds of prayer and praise did he offer to God during the dreadful night?

1. Prayer of thanksgiving and praise
Paul and Silas prayed and praised hymns to God during the midnight of hardship. Their praises were so beautiful that the prisoners listened to their songs even they had to sleep. Their hymns must have been absolute gratitude and positiveness toward God. When we face the midnight of hardship, we should give thanks and sings to God instead of complaining. God is present in our praises and will be given glory by our praises. Therefore, we should give thanks and praise to God when we are in trouble without worrying. God will listen to us and give answers to us.

2. Praise of victory and miracle
Their hymns move the almighty hands of God who allowed them to experience the wonderful victory and miracle. When they praised the Lord, the strong earthquake struck the ground, opening the doors of prison, releasing the chains that had been fastening their wrists and feet. (Ac. 16:26) Whatever the depressing prions capture you, give thanks and praises to God. Then, the prison of troubles will be shaken and the closed doors will be open and furthermore, the chains fastening our life will be released. Therefore, we should not be frustrated, pray hard, and give thanks to God bravely even we are in the times of sufferings.

3. Prayer of salvation and praise
The prayer and praise of Paul and Silas made the history of salvation. When the prison door opened, the guard tried to kill himself. At that time, Paul the Apostle shouted, “Don't harm yourself because we are all here!” Then the guard fell down in front of them and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” When asked by the guard, Paul, the apostle, said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.” (Ac. 16:31). And that night, the guard and the whole family were saved. Prayer, gratitude, and praise have achieved an amazing history of salvation. Therefore, I wish all of you who experience miracles and live a life of victory with an overflowing life of gratitude every day.