Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
August 29, 2001 Randall Caselman
Learning To Pray Effectively
Some interesting things happen in Acts Chapter 12. Herod was on an arrest-persecution rampage. He had James put to death, and arrested several others including Peter. His intentions were to make a big splash with the Jewish people by having a public trial after Passover.
Peter was kept in the inner-prison, guarded by a 24-hour system of four squads with four soldiers each. Meanwhile, the Christians were in prayer at John Mark’s house, a favorite gathering place for the church.
In the dead of night, as Peter slept chained between two guards, an angel awakened him - Peter stood - His chains fell to the floor - No one stirred - Peter and the angel walked past the guards - Outside into the silent streets of Jerusalem - Not a person sensed their presence. The iron gate to the city opened of its own power for them. As they neared the end of the street, the angel suddenly was gone - Peter was alone - He headed straight for John Mark’s house.
As Peter pounded on the front door, a servant girl, Rhoda, came, recognized Peter’s voice, but left him standing there while she ran to tell the others, “It’s Peter!” “Shhh! Shhh! Quiet! Can’t you see we are in prayer for Peter’s release!” Rhoda insisted again, and again. Finally the praying was stopped long enough to check out who was at the door. Surprise! They welcomed Peter with astonishment.
Luke tells us the next morning there was a great commotion among the soldiers as the search was made for the escaped prisoner. Herod went back to Caesarea where during a celebration and public address the people acclaimed him to be a god. He accepted their praise, and as a result, an angel of the Lord took his life. Eaten by worms!
The chapter ends with the Gospel spreading. Saul, Barnabas and John Mark are companioned together and things are set for the first world mission effort. Let’s draw some conclusions for an application to our daily prayer life.
1) We must not limit the power of God in our life.
Most of our prayers fall short of asking God for what we really want because we are not convinced of just how much power God will exercise on our behalf. We sometimes get so wrapped up in a defense against “Modern Day Miracles” that we are afraid to pray, to boldly come before the throne of God. Thus we limit God in our life. God is still omnipotent - All Powerful! There is nothing He cannot do with us, for us, through us if we will ask and yield. We are His creation. He is our father. The church is His kingdom. It is time we pray as people of God. I do not know what limits God has placed on prayer and neither do you. Dare to pray without limits. Dare to approach His throne with bold request - Amen?
2) Sometimes what we are praying for is already ours.
All we must do is claim it. The picture of Peter standing at the door while those on the inside were praying for his release is somewhat humorous. Sometimes we miss God’s real answer because we are focusing more on asking than listening, watching for answers. Jesus said, “Ask, and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it will be opened unto you.” But all too often we miss the answer because we are not sensitive to His will in our life.
3) We must be willing to be a part of the answer.
One wonders if Rhoda had not insisted, if they would have ever opened the door for Peter. We must be willing to open the door. New Testament evangelism is based upon preaching (teaching) and prayer. We must pray for the lost and then take every opportunity to communicate Jesus to them. It does little good for us to pray for a rebellious child and pass up an opportunity to encourage them. Why pray for the sick and then refuse medical care? Why pray for better family relationships and maintain a grouchy attitude? Open the door!!!
4) Expect a commotion - Pray in Faith.
The answer to their prayers, the release of Peter, caused a commotion. How long has it been since there has been a commotion in the church where you attend? Fervent praying and prayers answered cause excitement. James wrote, prayers not prayed in faith are not answered - Why? Because without faith it is impossible to please Him - Right? You see, God has promised to answer our prayers. There is always a commotion - Exciting things happen where God is at work in His people.
As Acts 12 ends we see switched roles. The imprisoned is released to live (I don’t think there was any doubt that Herod had intended to kill Peter). The free man was imprisoned by illness and died. Prayers of the church change things. Prayer can and does reverse circumstances. We must have faith in our own prayer life. Not that He will do our will, but that He will care for us as His children.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. ...The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (Ephesians 6.18 & James 5.16 NIV).
RANDALL CASELMAN
