Luke 21:11a, 28 NIV

There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, (28) When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Isaiah 54:1a NIV

Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy,

Acts 16:23-25 NIV

After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. (24) When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. (25) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.

What are they going to do? (3 ‘up’ responses)

 1.Pray first

The Lord’s prayer

Matthew 6:9-13 NIV

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

2.Sang

3.More songs

Acts 16:25a NIV

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God

What happened next? (3 things)

1.Others listened

Acts 16:25bNIV

and the other prisoners were listening to them.

2.God listened

Acts 16:26 NIV

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.

3.Jailor and then his whole family listened

Acts 16:34 NIV

The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.