Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church ¬ Acts 12:5
REFERENCE:
King Herod harassed the church, killed James the brother of John with the sword, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he seized Peter and jailed him…intending to kill him the next day. However, the church got together and incessantly offered prayers to God, until that night, an Angel walked into the prison and let Peter out. Infact, it was so surreal, Peter thought he was seeing a vision.
The bible says one can chase a thousand and two, ten thousand. This principle applies especially in prayers; hence, the prayer chain. A prayer chain enables 2 or more people take up the responsibility to pray about a common interest or situation as it concerns God, His church or individuals. A prayer chain helps us fulfill the scriptural injunction to always pray and to keep the fire on the altar burning. A prayer chain is designed to hold at a set time and place (virtually or physically).
A prayer chain is a prayer of agreement ‘multiplied and sustained;’ it is a mix of prayers of supplication, agreement, intercession and warfare. It makes prayer the business of all not just of a few; it helps us bear one another’s burdens, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ. It teaches us to be disciplined in prayer – to have a designated time of prayer and to keep it. It teaches spiritual discipline, initiates a pattern of delight, desire and discipline.
When Queen Esther was to approach the king uninvited, to thwart Haman’s plot against the Jews, she requested that a prayer chain and fast be set up for her, for three days. The prayers of the people caused a turnaround of events: Esther gained favor in the sight of the King, the whole Jewish nation was saved from destruction and Haman and his partners were executed. Prayer chains have the power to change the course of nations, kingdoms and peoples.
Prayer chains can be between members of a family, house fellowship, department, church and even social groups. Many people may not be able to engage directly in ministry but everybody can pray. Get some friends, colleagues or family members together to form a prayer chain for matters of interest to you all, and begin to engage the power of intercession. Remember, prayer changes things!
SCRIPTURE PHOTO
ADDITIONAL STUDY
Ephesians 6:18, Esther 4:15-17 & Romans 12:12
PRAYER
Lord, I ask that You revive our Christian experience and give Your people cheap victories as we tap into the power of intercessory prayers. We receive answers for things that do not have any immediate or direct impact on us as we pray for others. In our Nation, we begin to see You turn things around for good as a result of prayer chains. Just like You turned Job’s captivity around when he prayed for his friends, I receive my breakthroughs as we pray corporately in Jesus’ name.
Amen!