Many of you may be familiar with Peter's experience in Acts 12:1-19, but if you haven't read it before, I encourage you to do so because it is so powerful. In short, it relates how Peter had been imprisoned by king Herod following James' death. Herod took extra measures to ensure that Peter would not escape. The night before Peter's trial, he was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and walked him straight out of prison! In verse 5, we see that the church had been earnestly praying to God for him during this time. Later Peter shows up at their door and they are in complete shock! There was no denying that God had heard their prayers and answered. God had brought Peter safely out of prison.

I am sure we all know someone who is going through a difficult time, perhaps so difficult that it is too much for them to handle. Perhaps they are so weak that they are finding it hard to pray. In times like this, we (the church) are called to "carry each other's burdens"² and intercede for them. Today's verse states that the church was "earnestly praying to God for him". That is what we are called to do for those who are suffering around us.

Perhaps you find yourself in a position that is too much for you to handle alone. Call on others  to come alongside you and lift you up in prayer. None of us are perfect, and we all need the support of others at one time or another. Never feel like you must carry your burdens alone.

The same God that sent His angel to rescue Peter from prison, is the same God who will act on our behalf, regardless of the situation we may be facing. Our all-powerful Heavenly Father loves us and is ready to listen. Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call unto me and I will answer you..." Let us pray earnestly to God for those things on our heart. If we are called on to pray for others, let us do it fervently. There is power in prayer. When we come humbly to God in prayer, amazing things can happen.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you that I do not have to face my trials alone. Allow me to always seek you first in prayer and surround myself with others who will lift me up when I am weakened by the circumstances around me. And when I am called on to pray for others, I ask that you allow me to do so humbly and wholeheartedly, realizing the great privilege it is to share each other's burdens. You never change and are our Almighty God who can and will do great things when we cry out to you in prayer. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, amen."

1. Acts 12:5

2. Galatians 6:2