05/11 - 05/12: THE CONSTANTLY PRAYING CHURCH - Acts 12:1 - 11
May 11, 2024

A YEAR OF PRAYER

THE CONSTANTLY PRAYING CHURCH

1  Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. 
2  Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 
3  And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. 
4  So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
5  Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 
6  And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. 
7  Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 
8  Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 
9  So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 
10  When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11  And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” —Acts 12:1 - 11

1. The constantly praying church understands the responsibility and privilege of prayer.

Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. —Acts 12:5

For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” —Matthew 18:20

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. —Ephesians 6:18

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. —Colossians 4:2

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. —James 5:16

Pray without ceasing. —1 Thessalonians 5:17

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. —1 John 5:14

Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. —Luke 18:1

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, —Romans 15:30

19  For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 
20  according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. —Philippians 1:19 - 20

2. A praying church dispenses supernatural peace for the whole body.

And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. —Acts 12:6

Casting all your care upon Him,
for He cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7

6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 
7  and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:6 - 7

I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies. —Psalm 18:3

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? —Jerremiah 32:27

1 I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications.
2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live. —Psalms 116:1 - 2

In my distress I called upon the Lord, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, evento His ears. —Psalm 18:6

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. —Isaiah 26:3