October 20, 2019: SOAP #3608:  Job 6-8; Acts 12

Scripture:  Acts (NIV) 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him…
12  When this had dawned on him [that he was out of prison], he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying….
16  But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the brothers about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.

Observation:  It was easier for Peter to get out of prison than for him to get into the prayer meeting.  Ha!  Before leaving Peter gave them a message to pass along, “Tell James and the brothers…”  This would not be the apostle James, brother of John because he had just been killed (Acts 12:2).  This is James, the half brother of Jesus who became recognized as the leader of the early church in Jerusalem.

Peter led by the Holy Spirit goes to the home of John Mark’s mother where a prayer meeting was in progress.  Amazingly, the answer to their prayer walked through the door!  (–when they finally opened the door!)  That must have been an exciting prayer meeting!  But the church leaders were not there!   Obviously, the presence of church leaders is not necessary to have a good prayer meeting!

Application:   Jesus said, “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name…”   (Matt 18:20)   It can be in a hospital room, at a dining room table, in the market, in the bleachers at a ball game, over a phone connection, or at an altar in church…wherever I gather with another believer He has promised His presence and we can talk to Him!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, prayer!  What a special way to communicate with you.  What a faith-building opportunity to join with others at your throne! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!