PEOPLE OUGHT TO PRAY

READING: ACTS 12:1-5

Verse 5: "Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him from the church.”

This passage gives a vivid description of one way churches should function. King Herod’s attack against the Church using an execution and an arrest in quick succession, must have been terrifying to those in the Church. Think of what would happen today if a member of your church  would be executed, then another immediately imprisoned, all for the gospel. Various members of the church would want to react in different ways. There would be some who would want to apply political pressure. Others might demand legal process. Some might see the need to raise funds or prepare other resources. Verse 5 tells us what the first century Church did. They turned to the Lord in prayer! It seems they were unanimous in their agreement that the first thing to do was to pray. The result of their prayers was that Peter was released and God was glorified. Sometimes the results of our prayers are not as dramatic. Sometimes through our prayers we are led to take further actions. However, prayer is always the place to begin. When we seek the Lord first, all else is added. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Do you believe we need to be preparing for Acts 12 experiences, and why or why not?

2. Are you satisfied that you are well connected for prayer support for and from others?