HYMNS IN WARFARE WORSHIP

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and SINGING HYMNS to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” – Acts 16:25

The Early Church experienced the supernatural Power of HYMNS in WARFARE WORSHIP: “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and SINGING HYMNS to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25). Praise and Worship create the appropriate Atmosphere for God’s Presence: “But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel” (Psa.22:3). Praise and Worship become the Habitation of His Presence, which in turn, defends, protects, and fortifies us for Victory in Spiritual Warfare.

National Anthems are sung at national ceremonies and sports events, in schools and on momentous occasions, to symbolise people’s beliefs, traditions, history, values, and identity, and as a proclamation of freedom and a declaration of victory. Similarly, Praise and Worship represent the Identity of Believers based on Biblical mandates: “Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!” (Psa.150:1-2). Singing together, our full attention is set on the Lord, magnifying Him and focusing on His Glory, Majesty, Beauty and Perfection. As we fix our eyes on Him and lift our voices, we host His Presence and He visits us with His Power.

Worship creates an intimate atmosphere between us and the Lord, allowing Him to intervene in our lives or to speak directly to our hearts in such a way that we are drawn nearer to Him, that He may be glorified. Although Worship is deeply personal, uniquely touching the hearts of Believers, a common theme is that the mouth sings what is in the heart: “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Lk.6:45a). Praise and Worship are opportunities to speak from our hearts to the Heart of God. We speak, declare, and proclaim Who God is and His Power. This reflects a connection – an intimate space – between us and Him.

We usually relate praise and worship to good things that the Lord has done. We praise Him when we have an answered prayer or we have received a breakthrough or promotion. We worship Him when we feel blessed and as a response to a blessing. However, such praise and worship that are limited to responding to God’s blessings, are self-centred. True worship is Christ-centred. His worthiness is the focus. It is not just for what He has done but for who He is. The account of Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns to God in the dungeon, after having their clothes torn, being beaten with rods, receiving many stripes, and with their feet in the stocks, ushers us into the Warfare dimension of Praise and Worship (vv.22-25). Such Worship provoked God’s Presence!

True Relationship is what must have motivated Paul and Silas to worship God in such Christ-centred manner! They had accepted the Lord and found their identity in Christ. Having encountered God and surrendering to His Will, they had a true relationship with God; hence were able to worship Him not just for what He gives but for Who He is, and He promptly proved Himself: "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 chains were loosed” (v.26). Paul and Silas worshiped with the assurance that the Presence of God was with them.

At midnight – symbolising seasons of darkness and trials – we can worship God and believe that He is still good and has a plan for our lives. Worship is a strategy to engage in spiritual warfare which is critical in the Believer’s life. The enemy prowls around like a roaring lion waiting to devour (1Pet.5:8). Hymns in Worship – done in spirit and truth – can break chains, shatter prison doors, and reveal God’s Glory, even in the midnight hours of our lives. We can praise Him in the storm! We overcome the enemy by the Blood and the Word of our Testimony – of Who God is and who we are in Him – proclaimed through Worship.