PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 12:1-11
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” (Acts 12:5)
The words that stand out to me are “in prison” and “earnestly praying”.
Peter is securely guarded by a squad of 4 soldiers, chained to two of them (12:6).
The believers are helpless to do anything… anything but pray.
Their hopes are blocked by a secure gate, but the doorway to Jesus is open.
Their prayer is described as “earnest”, the same as Jesus’s garden prayer (Luke 22:44).
I am inspired by their example of earnest prayer, and convicted.
Their love and concern for Peter is mobilized, and they plead for his rescue.
The Lord does not need our earnest prayer to do his work, but he does welcome it.
He sees it as a sharing in his own earnest desire to rescue and restore God’s children.
We are partnering with Jesus in rescuing people, and Jesus partners with us.
I don’t believe my prayers change his mind (he already wants this), they join his heart!
And in ways I cannot see, he works with my prayers to do good, impossible things!
Who do I know that is caught in bonds from which they cannot get free?
Do I believe Jesus earnestly wants to help them too, and is working in ways I can’t see?
PRAYER
Lord, my prayers are weak compared to this. Ignite my heart with your passion for people, and may I see evidence of people set free as part of my prayers.
Prayer that brings the chains down and rescues Peter! “…. but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” Lord I believe in the power of prayer but sometimes I really act like I don’t – forgive me for doubting that you have what’s best in mind for me and my requests. You answer and you provide what I need – even in difficult or prosperous circumstances. Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer and that you care enough to listen. Thank you Jesus for making my access to the Father.
The power of prayer.
God was and still is at work through His followers. Prayerfully I need to enter each day in His power as an instrument of His peace. I need to continue to pray through my day for those I know who need His presence in their lives during difficult times. His Spirit continues to lead and guide as I live for Jesus this day and always.
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.