Acts Chapter 12: Verses 5-7 (NIV)
So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.
The Apostle James had just been martyred and Herod’s plan was to have a show trial for Peter too. Peter was kept in prison over Passover and we read that the church was earnestly praying for him. I don’t know all that they prayed but I’m certain that they prayed for peace in his heart, and that prayer was definitely answered. He was so sound asleep the night before his trial, even chained between two soldiers, that a bright light filling the cell didn’t even disturb him, and he had to be shaken awake by a punch from an angel. How different from the night of Jesus’ trial at an earlier Passover, when Peter was too afraid to admit that he even knew Jesus. If we need further evidence to show how much Peter has changed then this is a great example. He didn’t know what lay ahead for him. But he trusted God enough to be at peace in his situation. He showed no sign of worry and anxiety.
If we have God’s peace in our heart means we can face the most difficult of circumstances, even when we don’t know how things are going to work out. So, if we aren’t sure how to pray for someone we know who is facing trying times, let’s pray earnestly for them to know the peace of God that passes all understanding, and let God take care of the rest.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that when we rest in Your peace, we can face even the most difficult times. Help me to do that and to pray for all those who need to know that sense of Your peace in their lives. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.