“He (Peter) went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12:12-16
Heavenly Father, thank you for chronicling this almost comical prayer meeting in your Word. As much as it exposes our unbelief, in a far greater way, it highlights your faithful commitment to do exceedingly beyond all we can ask or imagine.
What a scene… a group of believers were earnestly interceding for Peter’s release from prison—storming heaven, pleading with you for their brother and friend. What a novel idea… you actually answered their prayer! A miraculous deliverance led to a loud knock at the door of the prayer meeting. Low and behold, it was Peter!
I’m not sure which response of these “prayer warriors” is more amusing. “You’re out of your mind”… meaning, “Rhoda, you don’t think God is really going to release Peter do you?” Or, “It must be his angel”… meaning, “We have more faith an angel of God will show up here than Peter will actually walk through that door.”
Father, way too often, that’s the very prayer meeting that’s going on in my heart. I dutifully pray, but I faithlessly doubt. Forgive my unbelief… override my unbelief.
There are many things I’m praying about right now for which I want to hear “Peter knocking at the door.” I have no need to be considered a great prayer warrior. I’m not looking for wonderful stories to tell others, as a testimony to my faith. I simply want you to bring a whole lot of glory to Jesus. Astonish us, Father… astonish me.
Father, I pray for the persecuted church and for their leaders. Strengthen… encourage… grant miracles of provision and deliverance. Cause the gospel to spread like wildfire. Give them so much joy, peace and love that their persecutors will be convicted, fall down and worship you.
Father, I pray for the courageous men and women who are laboring in the dark world of human trafficking. Bring justice to bear… deliver women and children from the evil of slavery, in every form. Protect the rescuers and provide good aftercare for those rescued.
Father, I pray for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit on our church family. Let us have done with “lesser things” that we might more fully give ourselves to the things that matter the most to you. We’re spoiled… we’re dull… we’re bored and we’re boring. The main vision we need is a renewed vision of Jesus gathering his bride from the nations and a vision of Jesus making all things new. Free us from ourselves for yourself. Astonish us, Father, astonish us as you override our unbelief. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ exalted name.