When the Church Prays

Bible Text: Acts 12

Acts 12 is one of those chapters that starts with a heavy blow but ends with a strong reminder that God’s hand is never too far from His people. As I re-read it, a few thoughts stood out to me that I felt were worth sharing.

The chapter opens with the death of James. This was the second recorded case of martyrdom for Christ in the early church. Herod, the king at the time, had him killed simply to gain favour with the Jewish leaders. It wasn’t about justice or truth - it was politics and people-pleasing at its worst.

That really struck me. Sometimes, people will go against us not because we’ve done anything wrong, but because it benefits them in some way. We shouldn’t be surprised. Jesus already told us that in this world, we’ll face tribulations - but He also said we should take heart, because He has overcome the world. After seeing how James’ death pleased the people, Herod went after Peter too. He had him arrested and thrown into prison. This wasn’t some small jail cell either - Peter was chained between two guards, with more soldiers keeping watch. Herod was planning to make his humiliation public.

But something different happened this time: the church began to pray. And they didn’t just whisper a few words and go to bed. No, they prayed without ceasing. That part really challenged me. When last did we as believers gather and pray for someone like that - not letting up until there’s a breakthrough? That kind of prayer can’t be faked. It’s consistent, persistent, and full of expectation.

Meanwhile, Peter was in prison - and he was sleeping. I had to pause there. How do you sleep the night before your expected execution? That’s not normal rest; that’s peace that passes understanding. It reminded me of Jesus asleep in the storm (Matthew 8:23-27; Philippians 4:6-7). It says something about the kind of trust Peter had in God. He didn’t know how it would turn out, but he knew Who held the outcome. Then, in a moment that only God could orchestrate, an angel shows up, his chains fall off, and he’s led out of the prison - right past the guards. Everything was so smooth, Peter actually thought it was all a vision.

Sometimes, when God moves, it feels too good to be true. But it’s real. And the question is, are we sensitive enough to follow His lead when He moves? Peter could have missed it if he stayed too focused on sleep or fear. God’s deliverance requires our response.

Where Peter went next says a lot. No one told him where to go, but he knew exactly where the believers would be gathered. He went straight to the house where they were praying. That hit me deeply.

Can people say the same about us? Can our brothers and sisters find a safe place with us in their time of need? Are we the kind of people who can be trusted to pray, not gossip? To stand in the gap, not spread negativity?

And then comes one of the most amusing parts of the chapter: Peter knocks, a servant girl named Rhoda hears his voice, gets so excited she forgets to open the door, and runs to tell everyone. Their response? They didn’t believe her. These were the same people praying for Peter’s release! Isn’t that so like us sometimes? We pray and hope… but then when the miracle comes, and we’re shocked. That moment made me reflect on how I approach prayer. Do I pray with real expectation? Or just out of routine?

Even after such an intense experience, Peter still took the time to encourage the believers before slipping away to safety. He didn’t focus on how unfair things were or wallow in what he’d just been through. He thought about others. Sometimes, in the middle of our own challenges, it helps to take our eyes off ourselves and lift someone else up. I’ve found that whenever I take time to pray for others during my own difficult seasons, God gives me a kind of peace that no explanation can match.

Toward the end of the chapter, we see how Herod’s pride got the best of him. He gave a public speech, people praised him like a god, and instead of correcting them, he soaked it all in. God didn’t take that lightly. He was struck down instantly. That reminds me that no one can take God’s place.
Sometimes people say things like, “You’re the only one that can help me,” or “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” It might sound flattering, but we must always redirect the glory. God is the source - not us.

And if there’s one more thing this chapter reminds us, it’s that God is the ultimate Judge. People may seem to get away with evil for a time, but He sees all things and He will act at the right time.

The chapter ends with a beautiful statement: “But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.” (Acts 12:24). Despite the persecution, despite the opposition, despite the attempts to shut it down - God’s word grew. His purpose moved forward. And that’s the encouragement I’m holding onto. People may rise against us. Some situations might feel like a dead end. But if we stay connected in prayer, trust God’s process, and remain faithful in our assignment, nothing can stop what God has ordained.

I pray God helps us all to be sensitive to His Spirit, steadfast in prayer, and committed to standing in the gap for one another. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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