"A Praying Church"

“Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”
Acts 12:5

Dear Christian, have you been praying? Have you been at the Saviour’s feet with your petition? What burden do you carry needlessly with you today? Could that heavy chain not been placed in our Saviour’s hands? What joy would your heart hold today if you knew that Jesus Christ was in control of your burdens? Can you see how needless it is to fret all the night, and race all the day until your strength is gone? Why faint? Why wrestle? Why murmur? Why complain?

Peter is in prison, and the king is out for blood. But the church was on her knees! Peter was with the angel, and the church was on her knees! Peter came to the house, and realized what God had done, and when he knocked on the door he found the church on her knees! They were astonished that he was there with them, but Peter testified that the Lord had done this while they were on their knees! Peter found young and old together, praying and believing God. Now Peter is out of prison and the king is greatly displeased. Why? The church was on her knees!

Saint of God, you must be reminded that God hears your prayer. He is the God with ears to hear, and a heart to feel, and hands to work, and with feet to move! We must be moved by faith to run to Him as our High Tower. God will answer prayer. We have carried our heavy burdens in our strength, and we have looked to others for help, but He Who has the power to do exactly as we need is mostly unasked. What needless pain we bear! What a pity that as you read this you are overwhelmed. Why should any child of His have to live so burdened? Did He not make us promises, and has He always kept His Word? Then tell the doubter to be gone! Flee to your Father’s arms, and make known your hearts desires to Him!

Prayer is no mystery, nor is it a learned grace. It is a child asking His Father for help. Prayer is a child’s cry to a loving Father. The devil is a liar and a thief! He has told you that your Father will not hear you, and that you have no right to ask. He has stolen your peace and your joy. He has robbed you of your strength and kept you from knowing your Father intimately. Resist him, dear Christian, and he will flee! Then run with haste to your Father’s throne, and get rest for your weary soul.

With the church on her knees, Peter, the prisoner, is free and the king is eaten up with worms! A church without prayer is a prisoner in bondage and eaten up with worms of worry! Can you see the victory in prayer? Why not kneel now, and seek the Saviour’s face?

Study verses - Acts 12:1-25; Psalm 65:2; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 7:7, 8;
John 14:14; James 4:6; Matthew 17:20; Mark 6:23.

Previous devotions

"A Glorious Church" - February 3, 2010
"Work of the Ministry" - January 27, 2010
"Redeem The Time" - January 20, 2010
"Stewardship" - January 13, 2010
"Tithing" - January 6, 2010
"An Expected End" - December 30, 2009
"Silent Night, Holy Night" - December 23, 2009
"Christmas - Part 2" - December 16, 2009
"Christmas - Part 1" - December 9, 2009
"Walk in Truth" - December 2, 2009