30 days of prayer in the home -- Day 26

A woman who prayed:

From Acts 16 -- On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. "If you consider me a believer in the Lord," she said, "come and stay at my house." And she persuaded us.

What can we learn from Lydia?

1) She had gathered with a group of women to pray. While we all need one on one time with the Lord in prayer, there is power in praying together with others, as well. Since this account tells us that Lydia was a worshipper of God, we can assume that she regularly visited this place of prayer.

2) When Paul introduced the gospel throughout Macedonia, he always searched first for the Jews and God-fearing gentiles in every city. He looked for a place of prayer to present his message. Since Lydia was in such a place when Paul arrived, she had an opportunity to hear the good news about Christ. The Lord opened her heart to the message.

3)Though Lydia had been faithful to gather in prayer that day, she probably had had no idea that she was about to receive such an incrdible blessing. This account is one of many that show us how abundantly God answers the prayers of those who seek Him.

4) Lydia responded to the message with openness. She also had an impact on her entire household, for they were all baptized.

5) Lydia responded to the message by offering hospitality to those who had brought her such good news. Her gratitude for her salvation prompted her to love and kindness.

Enjoy!