Paul and Silas were dragged to the chief magistrates of Philippi.  Their robes were torn off of them; they were beaten with rods and thrown into prison, not only prison but the inner prison, a dungeon.

Scripture does not describe the condition of that dungeon – but from other prisons we can guess at the filthy conditions, the lack of light, the foul air and the floor possibly covered with refuse from other prisoners.

These two men, it seems, were not given their robes back, they did not receive medical attention after their beatings — how did they respond?
(NASB) Acts 16:25 “But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;”

Praying?  Praying in that prison and with those hurting bodies?  Singing hymns of praise to God?  When they had been harshly, cruelly treated?
Amazing!  Prayers said aloud.  Songs of praise were sung and the other prisoners heard them.  What an amazing testimony to their faith in the living Lord Jesus Christ.

When bad things happen because of faith in the Lord Jesus, how do you respond?  Is it with prayers to the living God?  Are you seeking Him in the dark prison where you may be at this moment?  Perhaps it is not a physical prison but an emotional, mental and/or spiritual prison.  How are you responding to God?  Whom are you blaming for your prison?  To whom are you praying and singing praises?

Remember: Paul and Silas were suffering unjustly; they were suffering because of their faith in the Lord Jesus.  What about the other prisoners in that prison?  Were they imprisoned because they had broken the laws of Rome and the town of Philippi?  Most of those prisoners probably were guilty of wrong.

Jesus Christ’s word’s reminds us that if we suffer at the hands of others because of wrongdoing – justice is served.  But if we suffer because of our faith in Jesus – Rejoice!
We are blessed and our reward in heaven is great!  Jesus said so!  (Matthew 5:11-12)

A question I ask myself: what songs of praise do I know?  If I was thrown into prison what would I sing?  It is important to sing praises to my God…no matter where I am or what my physical condition is.  It is important to put prayer and praise together as I worship, no matter what is going on in my life.

 How are you now going to respond to the living God of the Holy Bible?