Week of August 09
“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” —Acts 12:5, KJV
Herod had Peter behind bars, surrounded by guards, and apparently going nowhere. But there was one thing Herod could not imprison: prayer.
Persecution had already taken James, and now Peter seemed destined for the same fate. So the church prayed. They could not overpower Herod, storm the prison, or change the political situation—but they could call upon God.
And God answered dramatically. Chains fell off, prison doors opened, and Peter walked free. Ironically, when Peter arrived at the prayer meeting, the believers were astonished. They were praying for a miracle but were surprised when one happened!
We can be like that. We believe enough to pray but sometimes doubt enough to be shocked when God answers.
Personal application: Make prayer your first response, not your last resort. Whatever prison door stands before you today, bring it to God. You cannot always change your circumstances, but God is never imprisoned by them.
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