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Grama Said: Prayer Changes Things



"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."  Acts 16:24-26

Dear Friends,

My grandmother told me that "prayer changes things."  She said, "Steph, it don't get too big or too small that I don't go to the Lord about it."  You could discuss anything with her. She didn't flinch and she did not judge you.  She also, did not waver in the bottom line solution.  Of course, she would recount some life lessons to shed light on the situation.  She could offer practical advice. My grandmother was very wise.  This wisdom prompted her to bottom line everything with this: "Prayer changes things."  At the end of the day my grandmother knew what I have learned over the years. You have to talk and listen to God.  That's prayer.

My experience is that I heard about prayer from  my grandmother,  in Sunday school as a child  and  through hearing countless sermons.  However, I learned how to pray at midnight.  At midnight when all seemed hopeless; at midnight before texting, and cell phones. At midnight, when I was by myself and everyone else was asleep.  At midnight in a dorm room, a hospital room, a time of grief.  It was at midnight that I learned how to pray and to keep on praying.

Each person's experience with prayer may be different. Yet, this is my story.  Praying through the midnight caused the shackles of doubt to come off my heart. It was at midnight when I could not see anyone else or anyway out that I found the power of conversing with God.  Sometimes we have to pray through the shackles that hold us back. Pray through the guilt and shame of our past that keeps us imprisoned. When we dare to trust God with the dark times and call out to Him and sing praises to Him, He shakes the foundation.  Doors open.  Freedom comes.

 "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed."  Acts 16:24-26

 Pray and sing in your midnight hours.  The Lord will meet you there.

in Christ,

Sis. Stephanie

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