With a Subtitle: Peter’s imprisonment reminds believers to pray boldly to the God for whom nothing is impossible.

A brief Excerpt: Acts 12:5 highlights the church praying earnestly while Peter sat in prison. This devotional encourages believers to pray with greater faith, ask boldly, and trust the Lord who can do far more than we often dare to request.

The Author is: Rich Holt

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Acts 12:5, “So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.”

Background

Given that you and I are what make up the church, the question for us is, were we the ones who had a brother or sister locked up and awaiting their doom, what prayer, if any, would we have prayed? Reflecting on what and how you pray, what might you have asked God for in this particular situation? Many would have asked for God to change the heart and decision of Herod such that he might have mercy on Peter. There also would have been prayers for Peter to be comforted, for him to experience God’s presence and peace amidst this nightmare of events. Some would pray for Peter’s loved ones to be comforted, to keep hope and not give in to hate and bitterness. These prayers are all wonderful, loving requests beseeching a God who has authority over kings and hearts and prisons. And there would be many of you who would pray any and all of these and perhaps much more, hoping against hope in what appeared to be the final hours of another believer’s life.

Application

And if so, if you prayed something else or something more, would you have dared to ask for what actually happened? Would you pray for God to send an actual angel to set free your friend? Would you ask your heavenly Father to send one of His messenger warriors to go to that jail cell and escort Peter right through the gates and walk him to freedom? Would you ask for the chains to simply drop off of him without any effort and for doors and gates to suddenly open on their own? Would you beg God for them to be able to walk right past the guards without being noticed and for nothing to be disturbed and no one to be harmed? There are countless things we can ask of and share with God when we talk with Him. Most times our interest and faith in what we’re praying about determine the scope of our petitions and praise. There’s a chance that someone, or some people, prayed for exactly what happened to Peter to happen. That person can be you. Spend enough time talking and listening to the King, and your faith and focus will reflect the very maker of all.

Charge

As we seek Him today, let your prayer life be affected by the heart of Him who makes all things possible.