Day 18: Knock, Knock
Do we take these words of Jesus seriously? “For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” (Matthew 18:20) While personal prayer is essential, praying with others has to be integrated into our lives. Many see breakthroughs as they commit to corporate prayer. The call to corporate prayer is to us all, even us introverts, busy people, and those struggling with insecurities. The theme of scripture is togetherness; we are wired for attachment and created for community.
The church was birthed out of a furnace of corporate prayer; they joined together constantly in prayer (Acts 1:14). They devoted themselves to prayer every day! (Acts 2:42) They raised their voices together (Acts 4:24). They prayed that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14)
In Acts 12, we read of an answer to corporate prayer. The church is facing a life-threatening crisis, as Herod intends to persecute and eliminate. Peter is imprisoned and probably in the Antonia fortress, overlooking the temple. He is guarded by four squads of four soldiers each, likely on a rotating basis. Luke notes in Acts 12 verse 6 that on the eve of his trial and execution, Peter slept bound with chains between two soldiers. He slept! His faith in his Savior meant he knew that whatever happens to him, his life is safe in Christ.
Meanwhile, the church is "earnestly praying to God for him" (vs 5). The Greek word 'ektenes' signifies fervour, earnestness, and perseverance. It was a word that was used in Grecian athletics describing a runner with taut muscles moving at maximum output, straining and stretching to the limit to win the race.
Peter is struck in the side by an angel and instructed to get up quickly and get dressed. Peter follows the angel out of prison, out of chains, past the guards, and as they approach the prison gate, it opens by itself. Peter finds himself on the streets of Jerusalem and the angel leaves him dazed. Peter finds himself alone. Realising it's not a vision, Peter thinks, "Now I know without a doubt the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod's clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen." (vs11)
After his release Peter makes his way to Mary's home, where many are gathered to pray. Rhoda, the house servant, hears Peter knocking and, in her joy, forgets to open the door, running back to the fervent pray-ers saying, “Peter is at the door!” The praying ones respond with, “you're out of your mind.” (vs15) Eventually, the door is answered, the church is astonished and he motions them to be quiet so he can tell about his dramatic escape story. (vs17)
I am thinking today of the earnest, fervent prayers rising this season, those we are praying individually and corporately. The prayers that are reaching the heart of the Father, prayers that will break chains, bring freedom and release. Keep going - for His glory!
Reflect and Respond
Do you struggle with corporate prayer and worship at all? If yes, ask Jesus to show you what the root reasons are. Then, ask Him to speak to these roots.
Ask God to give you promises and/or pictures that communicate corporate prayer’s value.
Meditate
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in Spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests.” (Philippians 2:1-5)
“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don't need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don't need you!’… Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Corinthians 12:21, 27)
Prayer Focus
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Pray for the churches that you know of in Kelowna and Lake Country.
Pray that churc
