Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the church in order to mistreat them.
And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword.
When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
When he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people.
So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. Acts 12:1-5
It didn’t look so good for Peter. It looked bad. Herod had just executed James and was going to do the same with Peter… perhaps even in the fashion that Pilate did with Jesus (wherein he released Barrabas instead of Jesus). Nevertheless, God intervened and answered the prayers of the saints in a stunning fashion, with an angelic rescue. Why God honors our prayers and how prayer actually works remains a mystery to me. I only know that we are called to pray and Jesus modeled a life of prayer and dependency upon God. So, I too want to be prayerful in all things. One by product of prayer is that the glory for changed circumstances goes to God. That keeps me humble.
What’s on my prayer list? Who am I remembering before God today?
God, as this day begins, I need You. We all do. So, as I review my prayer list I am asking that You do miracles and healing and that you set people free, even as You did for Peter. Show Your love and mercy, grace and affection to all on my prayer list. Keep them on my mind and heart. Remind me to reach out and ask others to pray for me as well.
