When the Church Prays

Today's Reading:
Acts 11, 12

In today's reading we are reminded of the great power a praying church has in bringing about miraculous change to what may appear to be impossible obstacles. In chapter 12 of today's reading Peter is arrested and imprisoned. While this was happening the church was earnestly praying for him (12:5, 12). What happened to Peter as a result of that church being gathered together in that home earnestly praying for him all night? An angel appeared in the cell with Peter and the chains to which he was bound were removed (12:7). All 16 prison guards never woke up as Peter passed by them out of the prison into safety. The iron gate that kept Peter imprisoned, miraculously opened and Peter was set free (12:10).

Let me propose a question to you: What are you bound to that you desire to be set free from or perhaps who in your life is in desperate need of freedom from something that is holding him her bound? I believe the answer is found in the power of the praying church. Jesus came to bring freedom to those who are bound (Isa. 61:1; Jn. 8:31-47). The church praying together can have a profound impact in seeing many walk in truth and freedom, but we've got to start praying together earnestly to bring this about.

PrayerPoint:
Pray for the unsaved.

ActionPoint:
Many in the church today stay away from group prayer because they are uncomfortable praying out loud with other people. If this is you and you would like to overcome this, begin praying out loud in your personal time with the Lord each day. Secondly, find a prayer partner and begin meeting with this other person at least once each week and pray out loud with your prayer partner. In time, you will find the freedom in prayer that you desire and group prayer meetings will be something that are no longer a hindrance to you!