*Thursday Reflection*
*June 11, 2020*
*The power of a praying church*
*While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him. Acts 12:5*
After the death of Stephen, who was killed because of his faith in God, the followers of Christ were scattered, as a result of the persecution that ensued. These scattered followers of Christ went to different regions such as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, where they spread the Gospel of Jesus. In Antioch a great number of people became believers and turned to God. It was also here that the disciples were first called Christians. The work in Antioch grew exponentially as persons such as Saul, Barnabas and Agabus became part of the mission there.
It is during this time that King Herod violently laid hands upon some who belonged to the church. James the brother of John was killed and Peter arrested. Peter was placed in prison and handed over to four squads of soldiers to guard him. The intention was to have a public trial, where they would find Peter guilty and put him to death. *But while Peter was in prison the church prayed fervently to God for him.* On the night before the trial an angel of the Lord woke Peter. The two chains that bound him fell off and the angel led him past the two guards that were on either side of him and the guards that were watching the front door of the prison. The Iron Gate that led into the city opened on its own accord and they went outside and walked along a lane until the angel suddenly left.
Friends, as I read this amazing and powerful story, what stood out was the fact that the church was together with one goal and with one aim; they fervently prayed to God for Peter. *As I reflected on this I saw the power of a praying church*. The church prayed on behalf of Peter who was soon to be tried and killed. As I thought about this, I wondered how much more powerful the church would be if we pray together ; if we were one in purpose and aim.
We are living in a time when COVID-19 has killed millions around the world and left many without a source of income. We are in a world where injustice continues to show its ugly face. Not all lives matter as we continue to witness the senseless killing by the police as this runs rampant in Jamaica, the United States of America and around the world. We see injustice in the form of Noel Chambers who died after spending forty years in prison without a trial. Let me go closer home, as a denomination we have been struggling financially for years. Our overall membership has been on the decline.
We have seen the evidence of a praying church. The God who rescued Peter is the same God who can rescue us today, but we need to pray and not just pray, but fervently pray. We need to be persistent as a church when we pray. The text tells us that the church prayed fervently to God. The church prayed passionately and earnestly about the situation. How badly do these situations affect us? If they do I charge us to pray fervently about these issues. A praying church is a powerful church. A praying church can change the situations that face them and the country. I end with a brief testimony. I bought a car that I drove for one day, before it developed an engine problem. I demanded a refund from the seller, which he refused. The church prayed together, along with friends, family and concerned persons. I was refunded the money which the seller refused to pay initially and I was able to get another vehicle. The power of prayer.
I charge us today. Let us come together as one as we pray for those matters that affect us as a church and as a nation.
*Shalom*
*Christopher Euphfa*
