Theme: THE POWER OF PRAYER
Text: “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” – Acts 12:5.
Comment: When King Herod stretched forth his hand to vex certain of the church, he killed James the brother of John and apprehended Peter during the days of the feast of unleavened bread otherwise called the Passover (Luke 22:1). Herod’s intention was to bring Peter forth after the Passover (not Easter as used in the King James Version) to be killed “but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him”- Acts 12:4,5.
In answer to the prayer for Peter, God sent an angel and he was miraculously delivered from prison. “And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” – Acts 12:11.
And there was great joy among the church that made intercessions for Peter at his arrival at the house of Mary, the mother of John. (Acts 12:12-17) Indeed the Bible says: “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16.
The Church of God as a body can make intercessory prayers whenever the need arises and the Almighty God does answer such prayers by His grace. Saint Paul stated: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men… that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” – 1 Timothy 2:1, 2.