The Power of Prayer

Last week we talked about prayer and how it works for not only our good but also for us allowing to better know God.

Prayer is is a 2 way communication. We talk to God but He also talks to us.

The Display of Strength in Gods People (vv 6-11)

Despite his appalling circumstances, Peter was sound asleep.

Neither the presence of the guards, the hardness of the cell floor, the wretchedness of the prison, nor the imminent threat of execution could disturb his rest.

In fact, so soundly was he sleeping that the angel had to prod him to wake him up.

Our society could take a lesson from Peter on how to trust God.

First, he trusted in the Lord Jesus’s promise to him that he would die later, when he was old John 21:18

John 21:18 ESV

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.”

Since he was not yet an old man, he had nothing to fear.

Further, each time he had been in jail before, he had been released.

God had a perfect track record.

All this enabled Peter to advise believers to cast “all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7

1 Peter 5:7 ESV

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Believers who learn, like Peter, to trust God’s promises and past performance, usually sleep soundly.

Herod Learned an important Lesson here in this story, no prison can hold those who God wants out.

The Source of Strength in Gods Children (vv 12-17)

John Mark’s family was evidently wealthy and had a large home, so there were a lot of people inside.

Probably some of them were praying that Peter would have the courage to die a proper death.

Others were undoubtedly praying that he would be a witness to those around him—soldiers, government officials, maybe even fellow prisoners.

Certainly there were also a few who dared to pray, “God, you delivered Daniel from the lions’ den, and you delivered David from Saul. Now deliver Peter.

Do not let him die like James.” We can be sure they were praying fervently.

Just then Peter knocked at the front door.

What follows is a story of confusion and joyful humor.

Why are we amazed that prayer works?