Acts 16:13 ASV  And on the sabbath day we went forth without the gate by a river side, where we supposed there was a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spake unto the women that were come together.

Acts 16:16 ASV  And it came to pass, as we were going to the place of prayer, that a certain maid having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.

Acts 16:31-33 ASV  And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house.  (32)  And they spake the word of the Lord unto him, with all that were in his house.  (33)  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, immediately.

Moments of victory are glorious times of celebration and rejoicing, but they are also clear evidence of where the victors have been choosing to spend their time.

So many times as a child I remember going to the church my father had built and hearing him in the small room to the side of the platform, pouring his heart out to God for the people of Burlington. These were moments when he was not obligated to anyone else, but just personally chose to spend extended times in prayer and preparation for eternal celebrations. Early in the morning, also, no matter where he has been in the world, he has gravitated to the moments with his Father, reading from a Spanish Bible and expressing his heart in thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. Even on family vacations, wherever we found ourselves on a Sunday, he and mom would seek out a local ‘place of prayer’ so we could join with fellow believers in letting our God be magnified above all others. I believe there has been a direct result from both his and my mother’s consistent going to the place of prayer, as around the world, in gatherings both small and large, there have been times of deliverance, when those held in bondage have been set free and hearts have been drawn to a reception of eternal life in Christ. There is no greater victory, no greater reason for rejoicing and no greater evidence that preparation has been made in prayer than when a demonstration of God’s great power and mercy result in a new life in Christ.

For every life there will be a consistent cause and effect that will trace the places chosen to either potential victories or celebration opportunities lost. How many prisons have failed to shake and how many families have never been exposed to the saving grace of our Lord because those who were to have sung the praises never prepared for that time in prayer. Just like the runner who, instead of seeking the workouts in the sun, sought out a resting place in the shade, there can be no expectation of victory on the day of the race

There are so many meaningless places that get the focus, the expended energy and time. To seek them alone will create a trail that only leads to extended periods of imprisonment, while lost families continue to follow paths to destruction and separation from God’s love. There are, though, incredible moments of deliverance and victorious celebration awaiting those who have allowed their hearts to draw them to their knees in that place of prayer. Those other commitments of life’s fleeting breathes may have limited gratification, but there is no greater true and unending satisfaction than that found as a result of the sought out times of prayer.

May the Spirit’s call be heard and lives develop deeply worn paths leading to the place of prayer. Celebrations of eternal significance are sure to follow.

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