“The light in the prayer tower should never be put out” (Ravenhill, 1962, p. 137) was literally seen in the early church after Peter was cast into jail: “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5). James, John’s brother had already been executed by Herod, so Peter’s fate seemed eminent. But that fate took no account in the power of prayer!
“Without ceasing” in the Greek carries with it the idea of continuance; however, very literally the translation means prayer was arising earnest (Vincent). The word only appears one other time in the New Testament and is translated fervent in 1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” which to me means to have a constant and earnest Christian love among the body. Such would, in turn, result in the type of prayer evident in the early church.
Peter’s situation looked hopeless. “The church was apprised of his imprisonment and danger, and had no resource but to apply to God by prayer. In scenes of danger there is no other refuge; and the result shows that even in most discouraging circumstances God can hear prayer. Nothing scarcely could appear more hopeless than the idea of rescuing Peter out of the hands of Herod, and out of the prison, and out of the custody of sixteen men, by prayer. But the prayer of faith was prevalent with God” (Barnes).
When it comes to revival, there are those who are in the bonds of sin, and in the most discouraging of circumstances. But as God delivered Peter, He has the power to bring the lost through what may seem like impossible circumstances unto salvation. However, prayer must be offered on their behalf; fervent and continual prayer must be made by the church unto God for them! And He will respond! Why? It is not His will that any should perish!
PRAYER FOCUS
On day 5 we prayed for five people to be converted; continue to keep them before the Lord and add back to the five for those who have already accepted the Lord through salvation.
