The power of prayer has changed the lives of countless people and nations. A young child can begin to pray as the Lord works in his heart. Our understanding grows as we age, but there is no substitute for childlike faith when we pray. Prayer, no matter our age, is a conversation with God. The Lord never tires of hearing his child cry to Him in prayer as they seek His face.
People worldwide tirelessly pray for others, knowing God answers prayers in His way and timing. I heard a man’s testimony of coming to faith, which was an answer to his mother’s persistent prayers for many years. It says in Matthew 7:7Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.[1] Only through prayer can believers in Jesus stay in contact with God, who guides their path and gives them the strength to follow His guidance.
Intercessory prayers for Peter
As the church began to grow, satan worked through people to persecute the followers of Jesus, including the disciples. King Herod Agrippa killed James and later arrested Peter during the Passover. Acts 12:4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover.[2] Although the enemy worked to harm Peter, it brought the church to its knees in prayer, looking to God for his deliverance. Acts 12:5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. [3]
Often, prayer comes out of desperation, where the only answer is God. In desperation, the Lord shows us that we need to depend on him, but not just in hard times. The Lord loves to hear his children when they pray. Revelation 5:8b They (heavenly beings) held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.[4] God keeps our prayers in golden bowls because they are like a letter from a loved one.
Answered prayers
As the church fervently prayed for Peter, the Lord sent an angel to free Peter from prison. Peter was released in God’s perfect timing, saving him from certain death. As the church prayed for Peter, prayers bridged the gap between human limitations and divine possibilities. God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we would like. But He answers them in His sovereignty, and the way He knows is best.
Through prayer, believers invite God into their lives, seeking guidance, wisdom, divine intervention, and strength. As Peter ministered as a disciple, he continually needed God’s help. John 6:44 For no one can come to me (Jesus) unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.[5] This verse tells us the importance of praying to God to prepare the hearts before sharing the Gospel. To learn more about the power of prayer, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/an-angel-rescues-peter
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.