“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (Acts 12:5).

Herod had just executed James the apostle and because the Jews were so pleased he decided to execute Peter as well after the Passover. It looked like a hopeless situation for Peter and the young church. There seemed to be nothing the church could do to save Peter but they prayed earnestly.

“Earnestly” is a graphic word. It translates a Greek word that means “stretched out, put to the full strain, exerted to the limit of its strength.” Xenophon used it to describe a horse made to go at a full gallop. That’s how seriously and intently the church prayed for Peter. They had no other options.

This passage is a testimony to the power of prayer. When we face seemingly impossible situations don’t forget to pray. An angel went to Peter in prison and Peter’s chains fell off. An earthquake opened the prison doors and Peter walked free. Prayer is an amazing tool God has given all of us. Don’t hesitate to use it!

As my Greek teacher in Bible College said so often, “Prayer works!”