Listen to this devotion
In fervent prayer …
In the Word
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him (Acts 12:5).
Of the Word
The story of Peter’s deliverance from prison is a familiar one. As his friends were praying, God sent an angel to bring Peter out of the prison. Guards were unaware, locks were opened, gates swung wide, and Peter was free. Even he thought that he was having a most wonderful dream! When he arrived at the home of his praying friends, the servant girl answered his knock, but did not admit him. No one believed her excited report that Peter was at the door. They thought the poor girl had lost her mind. Meanwhile, Peter kept knocking. All this after earnest prayer for his deliverance! The Christians couldn’t fathom that God had actually answered their fervent prayers. (Acts 12:1–19a)
Are we sometimes just like them? Do we pray — but then not believe or recognize God’s answers? God invites us to pray, and He promises to hear and answer. His answers are always given at the right time and in the right way because He knows what is best for us, the people He loves.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, help me pray, believing that Your answers will be revealed in the right way and at the right time. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003-2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 28/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.
