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“Sing and Pray”
Sing And Pray
Wade Webster
For several weeks we have been studying prayer. In past studies we noticed prayer as it connects to watching, fasting, preaching, repenting, and seeking. In this study, we are examining how prayer connects to singing.
“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). As you recall, Paul and Silas were arrested, beaten, cast into the inner prison, and placed into stocks at Philippi. For sure, their treatment was unfounded and unfair. Many people would have spent the night fussing and feeling sorry for themselves. However, Paul and Silas weren’t most people. They were Christ’s men. They met prison with prayer and praise. They met stripes with songs and supplication. You could put their feet in stocks, but not their faith. You could shut them away, but you couldn’t shut them up.
We rarely, if ever, think of prayer and singing together. Sure, we know that they are both acts of worship, and as such, they are connected. We may even think of the common worship arrangement consisting of two songs and a prayer. Despite these connections, we probably think of prayer and singing as polar opposites. After all, we connect prayer with sadness and singing with joy. I get this. James wrote, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (Jam. 5:13). However, prayer and singing may not be that far apart. After all, in prayer, we cast our cares on the One who cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). Anxiety is replaced by peace (Phil. 4:6). Now, unburdened, our hearts are ready to sing. Did you notice the order in our text? Praying and singing . Is the order significant? It might be. Maybe, instead of starting our services with two songs and a prayer, we should have a prayer and two songs.
As we get Ready to Worship this week, let’s pray and sing. They really do go nicely together.
