Praise in Pain

Read: Acts 16:22-26
Listen: Acts 16

This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. January’s focus is Prayers of Praise.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas sit locked in a Philippian jail cell. The cool touch of the prison wall does little to ease the pain of bruises marbled black and blue. However, singing God’s praises works wonders. Earlier, Paul cast a demon out of a fortune-telling slave girl. Her slaveowners preyed on her suffering by trafficking her for profit. Enraged by their loss, the men accused Paul and Silas of stirring up trouble. City rulers have Paul and Silas stripped, beaten and jailed. In their pain, Paul and Silas sing praises to God. Around them, other prisoners listen with curiosity, jubilant noise in a place of despair. These shackled men still act free. It doesn’t make sense. Without warning, a violent earthquake shakes them from their bewilderment. Prison doors open, chains fall and they witness the power of God.

Praising God despite painful circumstances is a profound act of courageous faith. Through praise, God empowers us to see past our pain and glimpse his power. Through our praise, the Holy Spirit cultivates hope and strength in God’s love. This love and hope amid pain are a witness to those around us. When we praise God, the transforming hope of the gospel appears in unexpected places—local coffee shops, hospital rooms, even prison cells. Praise brings light to what is shrouded in darkness and despair.

TODAY: A great way to praise God in painful or unexpected circumstances is by singing in worship. Join Ada Bible Worship as they sing “The Joy.” Let the lyrics be your prayer: “You are faithful to Your promise. You are strong when I am weak.”