Sermon Notes 12/7/25

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Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire: Midnight Worship

Midnight Worship

Acts 16:25-34 ESV
25  About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,  26  and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.  27  When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.  28  But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”  29  And the jailer [e]  called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.  30  Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  31  And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  32  And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  33  And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.  34  Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.


1) How do Paul and Silas respond to their imprisonment?

2) Why did the prisoners stay after the doors of the prison opened?

3) What happens when the church prays and sings to God today?


SMALL GROUP/FAMILY DISCUSSION


Praying and Singing
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them (Acts 16:25). God’s Spirit breathes new life into His people. We are filled with the Spirit in prayer and song today just as in the early church. Share together as you reflect on Acts 16:25-34; Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16.


1. When you are under stress or facing difficulty, what is your default response—talking, planning, complaining, praying, music, silence?


2. Read the passages above and share what word or phrase stands out to you.


3. How can praying and singing lead others to faith in Christ today?


4. Practice: This week, focus on the three actions mentioned in Acts 16:25: praying, singing, and listening. Devote part of each day this week to the spiritual practices of praying, singing, and listening to God. Along with daily prayer take time to sing a worship song or hymn to God each day. Read scripture aloud and then take time for silence so you can listen and meditate on the word of God. Thank God for His presence in prayer, His power in praise, and His guidance as we listen—and ask for courage to live out what we hear.