What does EGW write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Biblical examples of prayer in captivity"
Answer
A significant biblical example of prayer in captivity is found with Paul and Silas, who prayed at midnight in prison and sang praises to God, after which an earthquake loosened their chains. Also, in the time after the destruction of Jerusalem, the promise was emphasized that God hears the prayer of His people in the land of their captivity when they turn to Him with all their heart. Even during a stormy crossing under Roman guard, Paul sought divine help in prayer to save the lives of his fellow prisoners.
Paul and Silas in the prison of Philippi
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God; and suddenly a great earthquake occurred, shaking the foundations of the prison. And I saw that the angels of God immediately loosed the chains of each one. When the prison keeper awoke and saw the prison doors open, he was terrified. He thought the prisoners had escaped and that he would be punished with death. Yet as he was about to kill himself, Paul shouted loudly: \"Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!\
The conversion of the prison guard
The power of God convicted the guard. He asked for light, leapt in, came trembling and fell before Paul and Silas, led them out and said: \"Gentlemen, what must I do to be saved?\" And they said: \"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your household will be saved.\" The keeper then gathered his entire household, and Paul preached Jesus to them.
Prayer for forgiveness in captivity
If they sin against You [...] and You become angry with them and deliver them to their enemies and they are taken captive to a distant or nearby land; but if they take it to heart in the land to which they were led captive, and turn back and plead to You in the land of their captivity [...] and pray to You [...] then You will hear from heaven, from Your dwelling place, their prayer and their plea, and grant them justice and forgive Your people who have sinned against You.
Intercession for fellow prisoners during the storm
For fourteen days they drifted under a sunless and starless sky. The apostle, though he himself suffered physically, had words of hope for the darkest hour. He grasped in faith the arm of infinite power, and his heart rested firmly in God. [...] When he earnestly prayed to God to spare their lives, it was revealed to him that his prayer had been heard.
The liberating effect of prayer
A sanctifying influence spread among the inmates of the prison, and the senses of all were opened to hear the truths spoken by the apostles. They were convinced that the God to whom these men served had wonderfully freed them from bondage.
- Paul and Silas prison
- Prayer in captivity
- Deliverance through God's power
Original Sources (English)
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