“About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also… And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.
“When Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his hands. And the angel said to him, ‘Dress yourself and put on your sandals… Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ And he went out and followed him… When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him…
“When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. And when he knocked at the door of the gateway, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. Recognizing Peter’s voice, in her joy she did not open the gate but ran in and reported that Peter was standing at the gate… But Peter continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him and were amazed.” Acts 12:1-9a,10,12-14,16
Ministry for Christ and opposition toward His teachings and people were intensifying. As more and more came to believe and be transformed and healed, the more religious and political leaders felt threatened and grew in antagonism and violence toward the early church. The shock and pain over James’ death and Peter’s imprisonment drove the church to earnest prayer for Peter. What they prayed, we don’t know, but we do know that God responded and they were amazed.
When we pray with earnest thought and trusting surrender, God directs our intercession and often answers in unusual or unexpected ways. His Spirit might lead us to beseech Him for deliverance, or for patience, endurance, and effective witness in the difficult captivity. We might ask for healing, or for new intimacy with the Lord in the illness. We might plead for a desired fulfillment, when the Lord wants to fill the void with Himself. (Acts 12:21-24)
How intentional are we in prayer? When, where, and how do we commune with God? Do we wisk wishes toward the skies, or bow and focus, asking according to His character, promises, and will? When prayer is all about us, we won’t expect great things from God. But when we’re immersed in the Lord, we’ll stand on tiptoe to watch Him answer.
Lord, keep me earnest in prayer and ever amazed not that You answer, but how, so I may magnify Your glory.
As the rain and snow 