“Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” (Acts 12: 1-5)
In these scriptures we see that Peter has been put in prison. But let’s look at what happens when God’s people unite their hearts to pray for a specific cause.
In the natural this looked like a very bleak and hopeless situation. We are told in these scriptures that Peter was heavily guarded with no way of escape, but the Bible tells us God’s people had gathered together to pray for Peter. It says that they were earnestly praying and not giving up in prayer, but praying without ceasing.
Peter was in one place held in prison but in another place there was a prayer meeting taking place, and in these scriptures God gives us a glimpse of what happens when people are gathered together to pray.
When we pray we cannot see how God moves but he does move in answer to our prayer, so let’s look inside this prison and see goes on when God’s people pray:
1. First we see that Peter is carefully guarded by a soldier on each side to be sure he can’t escape. He’s bound by chains, and guards are in place at the gates, so it looks like it’s impossible for Peter to escape. But God’s people are praying without ceasing and divine intervention is coming for Peter.
2. We see an angel appear.
3. A light is shining in that dark prison.
4. The chains on Peter’s hands fall off.
5. Iron gates that once signified no escape are opening for Peter to go through.
6. Peter acknowledges God has delivered him from prison.
So we see prayer at work. Having a prayer meeting can change what looks like a hopeless situation. When God’s people realize the importance of prayer, great things happen.
When God’s people prayed, God intervened and Peter is miraculously set free. Yes, there is power in prayer, and that’s what God wants every believer to see. When we pray the wheels of God turn in answer to our prayers.
God moved in what looked like a humanly impossible situation. When we pray we don’t know how God is going to answer our prayers, but He will move in response to our prayer.
The early church understood that whatever the situation, prayer can change things. Prayer was made to God, and God heard their prayer. When we pray, we are not wasting our time. It’s not just something to do, it’s something that can change situations which looks hopeless and impossible.
Christine from Canada