The Rescue Mission
“The night before Herod was going to bring him out for trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the prison. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, ‘Quick, get up!’ And the chains fell off his wrists. ‘Get dressed,’ the angel told him, ‘and put on your sandals.’”
— Acts 12:6–8, CSB
I was studying the Word when I was led to read a passage in Acts about James. But as I continued reading, I came across the verses above about Peter—and I was amazed by the peace he demonstrated. His close companion James had just been executed by King Herod, and Peter was scheduled to be put to death the very next morning. Yet Peter, chained between two guards, was sound asleep. He wasn't anxious or panicked. We know this because when the angel appeared in the cell and a bright light filled the room, Peter didn’t wake up! The angel had to strike him on the side to rouse him.
This passage powerfully illustrates how to walk in faith—even in the face of death. Peter’s heart was so at peace that he could rest. As I read on, I began to understand why. Later in the chapter, we’re told that the church was fervently praying to God on Peter’s behalf:
“Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected.’ As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was called Mark, where many had assembled and were praying.”
— Acts 12:11–12, CSB
Though Peter may not have known they were praying, God responded to their intercession—and Peter experienced supernatural peace during what should have been an overwhelmingly stressful time.
God sent His angel to rescue Peter, but the prayers of the believers were part of the rescue mission. If the saints had not been praying, I doubt Peter would have had the peace that surpasses all understanding. When someone is facing a trial and asks for prayer, it is vital that we take that request seriously. Our prayers become part of their rescue. Every time we pray, we are petitioning heaven to intervene on their behalf.
Scripture reminds us:
“…pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
— James 5:16, KJV
This means that earnest, sincere, and heartfelt prayers carry great power and influence.
When we are called to intercede for others, we’ve been entrusted with a sacred assignment. It's crucial that we approach this task with sincerity, compassion, and conviction. Our prayers are not empty words—they are powerful and life-changing for those we lift up.
I remember in 2020, before the COVID-19 vaccine was available, a friend called me in distress. Her husband had contracted the virus, and his fever was dangerously high. She knew he likely needed hospital care, but we had already seen so many people not return from the hospital. She asked me to pray with her. Together, over the phone, we entered into prayer in the Spirit. While we were praying, the Holy Spirit prompted her to go check on her husband—and when she did, his fever had gone down! That’s the power of prayer in action.
There is so much power in your prayer. Use the authority God has given you to be a blessing to others!
Key Takeaways:
You are a part of the rescue mission.
Your prayers matter.
Yeshua says, “Before they call, I will answer.” (Isaiah 65:24)
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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