Title: The Early Church Prayed
Memorize: Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. Acts 12:5 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Acts 12:1-5 (Nkjv)
[1] Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.
[2] Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
[3] And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
[4] So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
[5] Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
Message:
One bad phenomenon I have noticed in this generation is the enthusiasm for online content creation, even when it concerns awkward situations.
I saw a cartoon illustration where a fellow slipped off a cliff into the river and was drowning: rather than try to help the fellow or call for help, the people who witnessed the incident brought out their phones and started recording the incident.
I once read in the news how a group of people burned some youths alive, and others recorded it online.
The rate at which evil is increasing and is being publicized online is alarming and disheartening to God.
When bad things happen, God expects you and I to pray fervently to stop the work of darkness; He does not expect us to only comment on the incidents or make jest of the victims.
Today’s Bible reading showed that the church interceded for Peter when he was imprisoned.
God answered their prayers and set his servant free. My dear child, the next time you hear that someone was kidnapped or hospitalised, please pray for them.
When you hear about domestic violence between a couple, please pray for them.
Why did the early church pray for Peter when Herod put him in prison?
Key Point:
Don’t just comment about bad incidents; rather, pray for those involved because God expects you to do so.
Bible Quiz:
Do not go about gossiping; rather, ask God to intervene in such matters.
HYMN 22: SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER! SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER!
1 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
that calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father’s throne
make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter’s snare
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
2 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
the joys I feel, the bliss I share
of those whose anxious spirits burn
with strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
where God my Savior shows his face,
and gladly take my station there,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
3 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness
engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my every care,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer
Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 3:16-6:14, Hebrews 4:1-16
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye