Prayer Works
Lesson Text: Acts 12:1-11
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Thought to Remember: Now I know
Lessons learned:
When you read Acts 12, one of the first questions I ask myself is whether Divine Intervention had occurred if the Church had failed to pray.
5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. (Act 12:5 KJV)
Because of a series of events led by Herod Agrippa I, his popularity among the Jews increased. First, Herod killed James, and then he imprisoned Peter for another execution to become more popular. The only alternative for the early church to change these ruthless killings was prayer. So I ponder whether prayer was the sole reason God allowed a Divine Intervention?
The phrase “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is part of the model prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. Yet, on earth, under the rule of Herod Agrippa I, the killing of believers for his popularity was not in alignment with heaven's rules. We must recognize that heaven must consent before events transpire on earth. Before the accuser engaged in the affairs of Job, God’s approval was invoked. At the beginning, one must realize that God created both heaven and earth as extensions of His rule. Therefore, God must consent for all events to occur for both in heaven and on earth. All authority rests within the God head – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus stated in this model prayer, “Thy Kingdom come…” (Matthew 6:10). For God’s Kingdom to reign on earth as in heaven, His followers must seek His Will in every situation, and then His Kingdom will allow Divine Intervention. For instance, Divine Intervention occurred regularly in the Old and New Testaments — from Israel crossing the Red Sea to Peter’s release from prison. Likewise, Divine Intervention will occur today if believers recognize the importance of persevering in prayer and trusting in God’s timing. Then, we can witness the seemingly impossible outcome of our situations.
Remember, the angel had to awaken Peter for the Divine Intervention to occur, and it happened only when the other believers were praying. After the angel led Peter out of prison to the street away from the prison, Peter states as follows:
… Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his angel and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. (Acts 12:11)
How many of us today can rest without worrying because of the prayers of others? How many of us know for sure the power of God to rescue? If you cannot, then I challenge you to renew your trust in God’s plan while performing His Kingdom work.