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The Great Escape

 Peter was in prison, guarded by 16 soldiers. The only "crime" he had committed was preaching Jesus' life, death, resurrection and redeeming love. King Herod had sought him out to add him to the martyrs (those who had died for believing in and preaching about Jesus). Peter was considered a formidable influencer of the people and the soldiers guarding Peter knew their lives would be required if Peter escaped. Herod had chosen a particular day to bring Peter before the people with the ultimate goal of setting the day and time for Peter's execution. 

The news of Peter's imprisonment reached the church and the believers gathered to pray. The Bible lets us know prayers were going up to God around the clock; not a moment went by without someone praying for Peter.  

The night before Herod's appointed day an angel of God appeared in the prison, woke Peter up and helped him up. As the angel lifted him, the chains with which Peter was bound fell off. The angel told him to get dressed, put on his sandals and outer cloak and follow him. Peter obeyed and walked with the angel out of the prison and through the gates of the city (the locked gate opened by itself). Peter thought he was dreaming. But when he and the angel got outside the city the angel disappeared. It was at this moment that Peter realized God had sent an angel to thwart the plans of Herod. 

The great escape was a result of all those prayers going up for Peter. 

This fact is a strong lesson for all believers today. Prayer is extremely important and should be part of each believer's daily life. We should not wait until something happens to pray. Every day is an opportunity to fellowship with God in prayer, and these opportunities should be taken seriously and used wisely. 

We know that



God does not always answer our prayers the way we think they should be answered. Believers pray because talking to God and listening for his responses deepens the relationship with God. And the deeper the relationship, the greater the understanding of "God knows best."

Be blessed!

Scripture Reference: Acts 12: 1-10



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