Introduction: Have you met Lydia? This morn a friend sent me a picture of his newborn granddaughter. Guess what his son and his wife named her? Lydia. Wouldn’t you like to meet the Lydia of the Bible? She was both a wealthy woman and a wise woman. Check out how our Lord Jesus orchestrated His will in this unique situation. 

The following questions tell the story. 

1. Where? (Acts 16:13)

“13And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.”

Imagine the scene…..praying by a River. There is just something “PEACEFUL” about a river. Prayer can be offered ANYWHERE because our God is EVERYWHERE!

Will you pray?

2. Who? (Acts 16:14)

“14And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us.”

Prayer unites believers. 

Interestingly to note, Lydia heard Paul praying. You never know who may be listening. Evidently, Lydia was a businesswoman – a seller of purple, an expensive dye. She seemed to be somewhat religious. Or at least she was seeking the Lord.

3. What? (Acts 16:14,15)

“…whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15And when she was baptized, and her household.”

Praise God! Jesus opened her heart through the vehicle of prayer and by His Spirit. Her whole house was saved!! And to demonstrate their obedience, they were baptized. 

4. How? (Acts 16:15)

“And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”

The proof of her conversion to Jesus Christ was quickly acknowledged by all in her willingness to extend hospitality to Paul and Silas. We are not saved by WORKS but if we are saved there will be some works!

Conclusion: What a beautiful picture of the power of prayer and the quickening of the Holy Spirit with a religious lady who needed a relationship with Jesus.

Didn’t this motivate you to want to pray and obey more?