The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas... After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison... About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:22-23, 25).
Heavenly Father, we praise You in the words of David's psalm, I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your name for Your unfailing love and Your faithfulness...Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with Your right hand You save me (Psalm 138:2, 7).
You are the Lord our God who takes hold of our righthand and says..., "Do not fear; I will help you" (Isaiah 41:31). Oh give us the faith to believe that with all our heart! Give us the belief and trust of Paul and Silas, praying and singing hymns to You in a dark, damp, prison cell.
Lord God, give us praise that rises high above all situations. It is easy to praise You as You lead us through "green pastures," and beside quiet (still) waters (Psalm 23:2). But in the midnight hour, when the walls are closing in, it is harder to find a song of praise.
Remind us that You are still God even in the darkness. That You do not change when our world changes. That all is still right in, and with You.
Teach us to pray and praise in the midst of difficulty. When we go through trials or when we suffer for Your sake. Give us a song in the night. Let us be witnesses of Your grace even when we are restricted, confined, hemmed in by circumstances. Let others be encouraged as they hear our songs of worship to You.
Father remind us of Your goodness, and Your power. Remind us that in time, You will bring Your earth-shaking deliverance. Fill our minds with the truth, the comfort, the encouragement, the invitation from Your word:
Therefore let all the faithful pray to You while You may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; You will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:6-7).
In shady, green pastures, so rich and so sweet, God leads His dear children along; Where the water’s cool flow bathes the weary one’s feet, God leads His dear children along.
Refrain: Some through the waters, some through the flood, Some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song, In the night season and all the day long.
Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright, God leads His dear children along; Sometimes in the valley, in darkest of night, God leads His dear children along.
Though sorrows befall us and Satan oppose, God leads His dear children along; Through grace we can conquer, defeat all our foes, God leads His dear children along.
Away from the mire, and away from the clay, God leads His dear children along; Away up in glory, eternity’s day, God leads His dear children along.
~ George A. Young ~ 1903
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