The power of a praying church
Acts 12:5(NLT) But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Peter was in prison, guarded by soldiers and sleeping between two soldiers. He was bound with two chains, and sentries were standing guard at the entrance. Peter was waiting to be executed the next day by orders of king Herod, the Roman governor over Palestine. Peter appeared to be in a very desperate situation. Yet even in this situation, Peter had such a peace within that he could fall asleep. He was ready to meet God, and he was prepared to meet God! While Peter was in prison, the church prayed, and what an amazing outcome. There is power in a church that prays.
What can we learn from a church that prays? People’s needs are met. Just as Peter was in prison,
many people are locked up in their cells. There can be many types of prisons. A person can be in a prison of:
- Pain.
- Sorry
- Unforgiveness
- Rejection
- Suffering
- Unhealthy relationships
- Depression
- Sickness
- Sin
- Financial difficulties
Others are bound. These people are hurting and desperately need prayer – just as Peter was. Because the early church prayed, Peter was released from his prison.
Miraculously, the chains fell off, and he walked out of the prison through two sets of guards without even a fight. When a church starts praying, something happens. Let’s pray for signs, miracles, wonders, revival, and a mighty breakthrough.
A steady stream of prayer ascended to God from a desperate church as Peter lay chained in a Jerusalem prison. The night before his trial, God responded to the petitions of His people: Acts 12:7(NLT) Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.
There is power in corporate prayer:
Acts 1:14(NLT) They all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of Jesus.
Soon after, the Apostle Peter preached his first sermon with these results: Acts 2:41(NLT) Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
Throughout Scripture, you see this link between sincere, believing prayer and God’s power on earth.
In a praying church, there is a recognition of the supreme importance of prayer, and therefore there is a spontaneous desire.
In a praying church, the eyes of faith and expectancy are towards the Lord.
In a praying church, there is faith to demand miracles.
In a praying church, the Holy Spirit manifests His presence and power.
In a praying church, there is great grace in the lives of God’s people.
I conclude with: “The life of the church is the highest life, and its office is to pray. Its prayer life is the highest life, the most fragrant, the most conspicuous. When God’s house on the earth is a house of prayer, then God’s house in heaven is busy and powerful in its plans and movements. ‘For mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people’ (Isaiah 56:7), says our God. Then, His earthly armies are clothed with the triumphs and spoils of victory, and His enemies are defeated on every hand… The very life and prosperity of God’s cause – even its very existence – depend on prayer. And the advance and triumph of His cause depend on one thing: that we ask of Him.” -E.M. Bounds