By John David Hicks
“Devote yourself to prayer being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).
In book of Acts the religious leaders cannot stop the church so they appeal to King Herod (Acts 12:1-12). The King has the power and authority to do anything he wants. So he arrests James the Brother of John and has him beheaded. This pleased the Jews. So the King had Peter imprisoned and intends to have him put to death after the Passover.
The Church didn’t think to pray for James; they took it for granted that God would deliver him. Now, Peter is in jail waiting to be executed. James the Pastor of the Jerusalem Church told the people, “You have not because you do not pray” (James 4:2). The church sees the need for prayer. That night they cried out to God and agonized in prayer for Peter to be delivered. God began to work in answer to their prayers. He sent an angel to put the sixteen guards asleep and Peter’s chains fell off. But God nor the angel would do what Peter could do for himself. The apostle had to put on his robe and sandals and follow the angel. When Peter followed the iron door opened and the prayers of the saints brought Peter’s freedom.
The only impediment that Peter encountered was at the front door of the “house of prayer.” It was hard for some to believe that it was really Peter; that God had answered their prayer. One brother reminded them, “If we are faithless, God will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). God has promised to answers our prayers.”
In your problems or circumstances you may be facing a “King Herod” that you cannot stop, but God is greater and He answers prayer! So, whose life will you change, and what circumstances will you influence today with your prayer? “Devote yourself to prayer being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2).