NT Fire Starters – Day 176: Acts 12:1-25

READ: Acts 12:1-25

THINK: Have you ever prayed and been surprised when God answered? It’s one thing to be amazed by how God answers our prayers, but to be surprised by the very fact that He does answer seems a bit odd. After all, why pray if you don’t expect that God hears and answers prayer. He certainly isn’t reluctant to respond to His people. But since you don’t always know what’s best in many situations, you may not recognize or realize when God answers. Then there are times when His answer is “no” or “not now.” Still, God wants you to depend on Him and to pray at all times and in all circumstances. When you do–at some point–you are bound to see an answer in the form of a miracle.

RESPOND: Who was the first of Jesus’ closest disciples to be put to death for following Him? (See 12:2 note.) How would you explain why James was allowed to die while Peter was rescued to continue ministry? How did the church respond to Peter’s predicament–and to most situations where they encountered opposition? (See 12:5 note.) Why do you think they responded this way? What does Peter’s liberation from prison indicate about the power of prayer? Why is prayer so crucial to the life and ministry of a church? Why are people often astonished when God answers their prayers? What are some of the insights we gain from the book of Acts regarding the characteristics, standards and practices of the New Testament church? (See 12:5 note.) Why is it such a serious offense to accept praise that belongs to God alone? How do people sometimes accept undue praise or rob God of praise?

PRAY: Give God thanks for the connection you have to Him and the access you have to His power through prayer. Commit to making prayer your first course of action whenever you face opposition and difficult times.

ACT: Give extra time to prayer during your free time today, or take time from something else and give it to God in prayer. Pray for your church, it’s leaders and it’s ministries. Pray particularly for any difficulties or big issues your church is facing. Pray that the members of your congregation grow in their desire to pray and that God inspires people to participate in and instigate prayer ministries. Read or re-read the article on Effective Praying, p. 446.