Prayer was made without ceasing

Acts 12:5

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

The early days of the church were tumultuous days, but they were also powerful days. The hammer of persecution would often be inflicted upon the church. Kings would persecute, and governors would oppose them. They would find themselves frequently in the crosshairs of the enemy. Here, Herod, envious because of the following that the disciples had gained, stretched forth his hand to vex the church. First, he killed James with the sword, and seeing that the Jews were gleeful about that first action, went after Peter. Peter was the greatest mouthpiece of Christianity at the time, and the most ardent defender and exponent of the faith. To kill Peter, he surely thought, would set his people at one, and the Christians would be scattered. Smiting the shepherd would scatter the sheep. But Herod was cautious about this move. He perhaps knew that the repercussions could be numerous, for many people did listen to and follow Peter. So he chose to place him in a tight prison, locked and guarded with Roman soldiers. But Herod could not prevail over Peter, for there was a great force in his advantage. There was a great army against which Herod the king was impotent. There were a great number of people that were indefatigable. They could never be defeated—and it was the church of God! The gates of hell could not prevail against them! And why so? They were praying! And they were praying without ceasing.

Prayer was made without ceasing of the church! When the brothers and sisters in Christ heard that Peter had been bound, they went at once to their knees. They begin seeking the Lord that He may deliver Peter from imminent death. They prayed tirelessly, they prayed faithfully, they prayed fervently, they prayed continuously. They knew the Lord could answer! He had promised that only two or three were needed. He had promised that He would grant the petitions they would make to the Lord. They knew there was power in prayer! And, oh, that the church of God knew this power today! Oh, that we would rise up and pray! Oh, that we would pray without ceasing! What could be changed! What could be done for Christ and His gospel! How a nation could be changed if God’s people would pray without ceasing! Are we not expressly commanded to do so?

We know that Peter was released, and showed up at a house where people were gathered together praying. Peter knew where they would be, and further knew what they would be doing. He could depend on their prayers. Who can depend on your prayers? Do the people of God know you are praying? Do you know how much can be done by your prevalent, importune, faithful prayers? How many lives can be changed by your unceasing prayer to God? How shall we know if we do not try? The prayers which are unanswered are mainly the ones that have never left our lips. Let us pray unceasingly, unrelenting, unfailingly, and undeterred; and we shall see what power from the Lord shall be poured out.

“Dear Lord, we pray that we would be people of prayer. May our prayers be continual and constant. For if you did such great things during the times of persecution and opposition in the early church, we believe that Thou wilt do it again. But may we never fail in this area of prayer. For if we fail not in this area, we shall no doubt remain steadfast in all other matters. Please help us by your Spirit, and remind us of this daily. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.”