“But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.” Acts 12:5 (NLT)
When God’s people prayed (v.12), and it was an all-nighter, angels were dispatched and Peter was set free. Imagine what would have happened if they had prayed with such fervency for James too. There is no mention that they prayed for his release, and Herod put James to death (v. 2). But they prayed for Peter and he was released! For the text that is the only difference!
Today, when God’s people earnestly pray, angels are dispatched, miracles happen and His people are set free. James 5:16 says that the earnest prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. When we pray, the atmosphere around us is changed. We probably don’t see, feel or acknowledge it, but the spiritual realm around us is activated. When we persist in prayer, we create an atmosphere of God’s presence and angelic activity. The impossible becomes possible. When we pray, mountains are moved and God’s kingdom presses forward. When we pray heaven is able to move on earth in ways it can’t or doesn’t when there isn’t prayer! There is a reason Jesus instructed us to pray for the Father’s kingdom to come and will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). When we don’t pray, God’s kingdom does not advance nor is His will able to be done! Prayer, earnest prayer is vital in this hour!
So please pray, and do not give up (Luke 18:1), and do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9), for the answer is coming. Revival is so near! Whether it is today, tomorrow, or whenever, it is on its way, and it will be soon! And prayer plays and will continue to play a key role in it!
Pray for a grace over your pastor and church to pray with even more fervency, with more diligence, with more desperation, with more faith. Ask God to stir up day and night prayer across our city! Ask the Lord for grace to pray longer, later, and with more focus. Ask Him to equip, increase and mature the prayer movement in our city! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray as you ought (Romans 8:26-27) according to the will and heart of the Father.
