Acts 12:1-19

Here is this passage we see a battle raging. It's the classic bout of the world vs the church.

The world is comitting violent acts against the church, this time spearheaded by King Herod and the Jewish leaders. James is killed and Peter is imprisoned.

The church is fighting back - not with physical action but in earnest prayer. Look what that got them! Earnest prayer is the most powerful weapon of battle that the christian can have. At the 11th hour God intervened in response to their prayer.

What did this prayer look like?

It was corporate

The church were gathered together. God hears all prayers, but gathering together has a particular special effect as believers are united in one prayer to God.

It was not perfect

As passionate and earnest as they were, the believers didn't have perfect faith. Look how suprised they were that their prayers were answered! They didn't really think God would come through like that. We don't need to sweat about making our prayers perfect, it's all about our heart of coming to God honestly with our needs.

It was earnest

To be earnest means to be intense and convicted. The believers were praying with all their hearts! They were abandoning everything else to just pray. This is how we should be when it comes to praying to God. He lends His might and power to anyone who is earnest in prayer to Him.