09.07.2025 | Why Pray?
WHY PRAY? - Pastor McLean Faw
Acts 12:1-2 (NLT) – About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers of the church. He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword.
Acts 12:3-4 (NLT) – When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration). Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover.
Acts 12:5 (NLT) – But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
1. BELIEVE GOD IS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO PRAY
Peter’s situation looked hopeless.
Acts 12:4 (NLT) – Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover.
Acts 12:5 (NLT) – But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
God is looking for people who will stand in the gap and pray!
Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV) – So, I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.
Nehemiah 4:13 (NKJV) – Therefore I positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
Nehemiah 4:14 (NKJV) – And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
Joy Dawson – Prayer is the match that lights the fuse to release the explosive power of the Holy Spirit.
I SAY YES TO THE CALL TO PRAY!
2. BELIEVE GOD WORKS THROUGH THE PRAYERS OF HIS PEOPLE
Acts 12:5 (NLT) – But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
Acts 12:5 (NIV) – So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
Earnest – stretched out, hands stretched out to God in fervent supplication.
James 5:16b (NKJV) – The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
Psalm 50:15 (NKJV) – Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.
3. BELIEVE THAT WHEN PRAYER GOES UP, ANGELS COME DOWN
Acts 12:6-7 (NLT) – The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. Suddenly there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get Up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.
Acts 12:8-9 (NLT) – Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And He did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. So, Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was actually happening.
Acts 12:10 (NLT) – They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So, they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him.
When we pray, angels are released.
When we pray, chains fall off and people get free.
Acts 12:13-14 (NLT) – He knocked at the door in the gate and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!”
Acts 12:15-16 (NLT) – “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.” Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.
God’s answer may be knocking at your door.
WILL YOU ASK THE LORD TO PUT THREE PEOPLE ON YOUR HEART AND BEGIN TO PRAY FOR THEM IN THESE NEXT TWO WEEKS THAT THEY COME BACK TO CHURCH ON SEPTEMBER 21?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Could you share a time that you experienced an answered prayer?
2. What are some of the things that are holding you back from answering the call to prayer?
3. Would you be willing to consecrate every disappointment to the Lord and step into a place of intercession for your family, our city, our nation, and the Body of Christ?
4. Does the call to fervent, passionate prayer scare you and excite you? Why?
5. What impossible situation are you facing right now? Are you crying out to God and inviting others to join you? Why or why not?