“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…”
Acts 16:25a
They were singing.
And they were in JAIL.
I find myself thinking if they can sing while in jail, then I can sing and praise Him when things aren’t going well for me.
Yesterday, during the message the pastor said, “St. Augustine said, He who sings, prays twice.” Many times in my life, when I don’t know what to say. When I don’t know how to pray…I sing.
Sometimes it is a sad song and I am pouring my heart out to God. Other times it is a happy song and I am praising God.
Either way, it is my PRAYER.
One of my new favorites, when I am struggling is this song by Laura Story. (you might want to scroll all the way to the bottom and pause the music playing on the blog.)
While the tears stream down my face, I am reminded that I can still thank Him for the disappointments.
For the trials.
For the hard times.
For the unexpected.
I continue counting my gifts…
664. feeling better.
665. extra day off work.
666. cars repaired.
667. BOC by Born shoes. So comfy.
668. restful weekend.
669. planning for the holidays.
670. jobs.
671. money to pay the bills.
672. answers to prayer.
673. things that don’t make sense.
674. being encouraged in my writing.
675. the Unexpected.
Have a wonderful day! I am joining Michelle for Hear it on Sunday and with Ann for Multitude on Mondays.
Have a great day!
Oh I hear you..with the singing.
Be blessed.
T
I like your reminder, "if Paul and Silas can sing while in jail, then I can sing and praise Him when things aren't going well for me!" Lovely post. I found you on Hear it On Sunday. Thank you for your comments on my post.
Oh, I love that St. Augustine quote. I haven't heard it before, but I believe it. Singing does something in me; that explains it.
Love the Laura Story song too. God is using her words and music to minister to many, reminding us that his grace is everywhere, even in the hard stuff.
Thanks for sharing these encouragements today.
There have been times in my life when I've been so sad I haven't been able to form words in prayer. I let music wash over me, songs of lament, songs of praise, songs of hope. They became my prayers. And I was so thankful I had their words to cling to when, at times, I was awake at midnight.
Music always touches me and yes, it feels like a prayer. Love that quote. I love listening to Ron Hamilton's "O Rejoice in the Lord."
O rejoice in the Lord
He makes no mistakes
He knoweth the end of each path that I take
And when I am tried, and purified
I shall come forth as gold.
This song is beautiful. First time I heard it, but oh–it won't be the last!
So that's where my mom got it! She's always saying that singing is like praying twice! I agree too. There's nothing like singing to God 🙂
I definitely sing when I can't pray. I sing when I can pray, too — I just sing all the time. Which is kind of creepy, actually, because I don't know lyrics too well, which means I am probably just ruining these lovely hymns!
I love, love, love this song!!! I listen to it frequently.
Wonderful post, sweet friend!
Love that song! I especially love hearing my girls sing it when it comes on the radio in the car.