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While They Were Praying

September 1st, 2023

Acts 12:1-19

As a senior member of a public safety chaplaincy program I conducted orientation for new chaplains. I led one group through the police station. The jail was empty that day, so I fetched the key. As I opened the door a face peeked around a corner behind me. The officer announced to a group behind him, “It’s just the chaplain.” A silent alarm had warned the jail door was open. “Did you think I was breaking into an empty jail?” I asked.

Herod Agrippa had executed James, the brother of John. Quick to please the crowd he then had Peter arrested. He assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard the apostle. Two guards were chained to him, one on each arm. Peter seemed doomed. “[B]ut the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (12:5).

God didn’t need a key, one angel would do. The angel gently removed Peter’s chains and quietly led him out. Later, when Peter arrived where the believers were praying they couldn’t believe it. While they were still praying God answered their prayer! God is sure to respond when His people earnestly seek Him.

Author: Duane Brush