February 5, 2022

 

Really Pray

 

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

– Acts 12:5

 

Most of us are familiar with this story. Herod had Peter arrested and he was to bring him to trial the next day. Peter was bound with chains and sleeping between two soldiers. God sent angels to rescue Peter and lead him out of the prison.

 

This story reminds us of God’s power and that anything truly is possible when our hope is in Him. But let’s not rush past this sentence in Acts 12:5. The church was earnestly praying to God for Peter. They weren’t talking about praying. They were praying.

 

A dear friend shared a post about her sister, who is currently on a ventilator fighting Covid. The request was simple and powerful. The writer asked for prayer. He specified that he wanted real prayer. Not the kind of prayer where we post images of hands in prayer or even that simple word that tells others we are praying. He wanted people to please take a moment and really pray for my friend’s sister. The power of prayer when God is our only hope.

 

We talk a great deal about our lives being in God’s hands. We know that while we cling to an illusion of control that we really aren’t in control. Our lives could end in a moment. Our lives could be upended with one phone call, one diagnosis, one ugly rant. We are so often at the mercy of circumstances and situations that we can’t choose or control.

 

God is our only hope. Always. We don’t even need words because we have the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when we don’t know what to say. (Romans 8:26-27) God hears our anguished hearts. He provides comfort and strength no matter the outcome.

 

When someone asks you to pray, do it. Don’t just throw out some words and call yourself done. Actually pray. Take a moment to close your eyes, quiet your mind and ask God for healing, strength, direction. Your words and your heart do make a difference.