THE POWER OF A PRAYING CHURCH
Keith O’Connor
Woodland Church
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
(Acts 12:1-5, NLT) “About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.”
1. Power of Prayer
(Acts 12:5, NLT) “But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him”
(1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT) “Never stop praying”
(Philippians 4:6-7, NLT) “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus”
(Acts 12:6, ESV) “Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison”
2. Trust God’s Word
(Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take”
(Mark 4:39, NLT) “Peace, Be Still”
“Sometimes He Calms the Storms: Sometimes He calms the storm with a whispered “Peace, be still.” He can settle any sea, but it doesn’t mean He Will. Sometimes He holds us close and lets the wind and waves go wild; Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child.” -Scott Krippayne
(Acts 12:13-16, NLT) “He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”
“You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.” Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.”
3. Impact of a Praying Church
(Acts 12:12, NLT) “When he realized this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.”
(Acts 12:24, NLT) “…the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers”
(1 Timothy 2:1-2, NLT) “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity”
Growthwork
- Pray Together
- Trust God
- Share Your Testimony