Praying in the Midst of Trials and Tribulations
Scripture Passage: Acts 12:1-10 (NASB)
Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church, to do them harm. 2 And he had James the brother of John executed with a sword. 3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter as well. (Now these were the days of Unleavened Bread.) 4 When he had arrested him, he put him in prison, turning him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending only after the Passover to bring him before the people. 5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made to God intensely by the church.
6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near Peter, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Put on your belt and strap on your sandals.” And he did so. And he *said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and continued to follow, and yet he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 Now when they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
SUMMARY
King Herod continued persecuting the followers of Jesus Christ after putting James to death. Peter got arrested and kept in prison until public trial which would take place after the Passover. After hearing the news of Peter, the church earnestly prayed for him. On the night before the trial, an angel of the Lord appeared to Peter in prison and miraculously released him from chains, opened gates and led him out of the prison.
MEDITATION AND REFLECTION
As seen in previous chapters, Peter worked tirelessly for the Kingdom of God - he preached the gospel, baptized many, prayed for healing, etc. After hearing the news of James’ death and Peter’s imprisonment, the church did not step back but earnestly prayed to God (v.5). They had faith in God who is greater and mightier than the current situation and circumstances. They believed in God who has power to make the impossible possible. We see the result of their fervent prayers for Peter in verse 6-10.
APPLICATION
God has been highlighting “prayer” in this particular season of my life. I talk to God throughout the day and pray everyday. But He has been showing me the power of intercessory prayers which I honestly have taken lightly before. For instance, I received my 1st dose Covid vaccine in January and had an appointment to receive the 2nd dose in the beginning of February. Unlike 1st dose, I heard from many coworkers and friends that almost all of them experienced more severe symptoms after 2nd dose. I was getting worried and scared to take the 2nd dose so I asked my QT sisters and others to pray for minimal side effects and symptoms after the 2nd dose. I did have some body aches the day after receiving but I literally felt prayers covering me that day and had very minimal symptoms from the 2nd dose. Praise the Lord! It is not coincidence that I am reminded once again through today’s passage about the power of fervent prayers. God is asking me to pray earnestly for myself, my family and others in this season. I will devote myself to prayer each night for 30 days.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding me once again the power of prayers.
I am comforted to know that you hear my every prayer and you have the power to make the impossible possible. Meet me in my prayer closet every night and help me to pour out my heart before You. Thank you Jesus for speaking to me through Your word today. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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