The persecutors designed to dishearten and discourage the preachers of the gospel, and to make them sick of the cause and weary of their work had failed. Never were poor prisoners so truly cheerful. 

Let us consider what their case was. Paul and Silas had spoken against an evil regime in the city and were beaten with whips and falsely thrown into prison. Jesus, their Master, was also falsely accused, whipped and killed. They had the opportunity to fear that this possible outcome was theirs as well. They were in the inner prison, their feet in the stocks, and yet, at midnight, when they should have been trying, if possible, to get a little rest, they prayed and sang praises to God. 

They prayed together to God to support them and comfort them in their afflictions, to visit them, as he did Joseph in the prison, and to be with them,—prayed that their consolations in Christ might abound, as their afflictions for him did,—prayed that even their bonds and stripes might turn to the furtherance of the gospel,—prayed for their persecutors, that God would forgive them and turn their hearts.

This was not at an hour of prayer, but at midnight; it was not in a house of prayer, but in a dungeon; yet it was seasonable as it was necessary to pray, and the prayer was acceptable. As in the dark, so out of the depths, we too may cry unto God. No place and no time is out of place for prayer if the heart is lifted up to God. As Psalm 37:14 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

As Paul and Silas praised, there were prisoner spectators that were made to hear their songs, that they might be prepared for the miraculous favor shown to them all for the sake of Paul and Silas when the prison doors were thrown open! We can also be encouraged that our obedience and sacrifice is tied to other souls that are chained. May our lives be living testimonies and the reality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that we will trust God in every season.

Querido Padre Celestial,

Thank You that You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. That being said, what You have done in the past, You can do it again. We know Lord that You see the entire picture, and we only see a sliver. So, we ask that You would give us the faith to not only believe in You but trust and rest in You. Father, no plans of Yours can be thwarted. We come to You with our requests, asking, knocking, and seeking Your take on our situations because this is what You tell us to do. Let us be people of prayer so that when we hit a wall, we will drop to our knees, knowing full well that You're able, and help us to get back up after we've petitioned heaven and trust You with whatever outcome You choose. Because what You choose will be what is best for the longest amount of time for the greatest number of people. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.reflecting You. I cannot do this on my own, so I ask that Your gentle promptings and guidance be ever present in my day to day life, in every situation. May I be salt and light in this dark and sinful world. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Whether we are in very difficult circumstances, persevering in a long-term prayer for God’s intervention, or seeking freedom in body or spirit, we see over and over in Scripture that the miracle is not difficult for God. At once, suddenly, at the midnight hour, the circumstances can change. Trust His timing, do not give up hope, and give Him glory and praise when the miracle comes. Lord Jesus, we do pray that the miracle would not only result in our rescue, but also in the salvation of souls.