Lenten Devotional: March 12, 2026

by Rev. Elyse Nielsen

Paul and Silas

Scripture: Acts 16:25-26 NIV

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

Reflection:

Paul and Silas were imprisoned for spreading the Gospel. The Gospel challenged the status quo and therefore was threatening to those in power. While they were on the "inside" they behaved very oddly. Surrounded by men who had lived rough and committed crimes, they were faithful witnesses. They sang and prayed. Then God made an earthquake occur making the prison doors open and everyone's chains came loose. This passage reveals what happens when God's people are faithful in bad circumstances. When a witness does not fail despite poor circumstances, it frees others. Sometimes people are looking for permission to be free or a path to be made plain to them. Us Christians are afforded this freedom regularly, but our social norms or our own insecurites or perhaps our lack of faith prevents us from showing God's witness. 

Call to Action:

What earthquakes or events that shake things up? I call this a crisis of opportunity. Precisely through an impending divorce, a loss, or life-change is when the Holy Spirit makes an opportunity to be a witness for Christ, to literally sing and pray with people who may be far from God, but like the prisoners, are listening, perhaps waiting for freedom that only a relationship with Christ brings. How is God asking you to witness? Who is it that you already know who is listening for your story-song-prayer of faith? 

Prayer:

Lord God, help us to be faithful in our witness to those around us who are listening. May we proclaim your goodness and presence despite our circumstances. Embolden us to witness wherever we are! Amen. 

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