11/21/24

Acts 12:5 NASB1995 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.

The importance of prayer must never be ignored by the church. The church has forgotten the importance of prayer and, even more so, corporate prayer. Peter was in prison and was scheduled to be killed. God makes it clear in our text that something was happening that would make a difference to his imprisonment. The conjunction "but" shows us that the important thing that was happening was prayer. Prayer was not separate from his imprisonment but was because of his imprisonment. They prayed because his death was imminent. They knew that nothing apart from God would change the outcome. Therefore they corporately and fervently talked to God. The purpose was to seek God's assistance in Peter's release. It is apparent as we read further that some of the church either did not expect God to answer or they did not believe God could answer. However, it says they were amazed.

One of the amazing things about God is even though we know He is amazing and we expect to be amazed, we are not disappointed as He still amazes us.

The importance of fervent corporate prayer must not be forgotten in our churches. We have been so structured in our prayers that we often are not praying but are filling the time with the appropriate words. Prayer is not a time filler but a conversation with God. It is meant to show

Adoration,

Confession,

Thanksgiving, and

Supplication,

These are the ACTS of prayer.

Then we need to listen and wait for God to respond.

When we do this corporately (as a church) and fervently (with intensity), then we will be amazed as we listen and wait.

There is nothing better we can do for someone than to pray.

This is not saying actions shouldn't be part of our service, it is just saying the first action of service should be prayer! We will be amazed at what God does.

BUT prayer for him was being made fervently by the church of God!

Bad things happen in the world.

BUT when the church prays corporately and fervently, God Amazes!

Love Bro. Scott