In “Thought for today” on June 17th 2021, we searched the scriptures regarding “Prayer without ceasing” or constant prayer, both in the spirit and in the understanding, in Acts chapter 12 v 5. Today we look at the miraculous consequences of that prayer to the Father in verses 6 to 10.
It is vital to remember that the “Church” referred to in verse 5 consisted of believers like you and I, not just the Apostles and the elders.
In verses 6 to 10 we are about to witness six occurrences of the “workings of miracles.”
Verse 6. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison.
Peter was chained, by his hands, to a guard on either side of him. Any movement of Peter’s body would alert both guards. There were two other guards in guard posts outside.
Verse 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison ; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying” Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.
Miracle # 1. An angel, a spirit being, appeared in Peter’s cell.
Miracle # 2. The chains fell off his hands.
Miracle # 3. The two guards neither saw or heard the angel, nor felt the chains fall to the floor.
Verse 8 Then the angel said to him.” Gird yourself and tie on your sandals” ; and so he did. And he said to him.” Put on your garment and follow me.”
Verse 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.
Verse 10 When they were past the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
Miracle # 4 They passed the first guard post, seemingly invisible.
Miracle # 5 They passed the second guard post likewise.
Miracle # 6 The iron gate of the prison opened of it’s own accord.
What an astonishing portion of scripture! Supernatural!
If I was to try and define what a miracle actually is, I would say ” It is an occurrence, an event, a happening, orchestrated by our Heavenly Father, for benefit, as He wills, that cannot be explained by our 5 senses.”
All six miraculous events in Acts chapter 12 v’s 6 to 10 tick these boxes, from the physical appearance of the angel, to the lack of perception by Peter’s captors, to the chains falling from his hands to the floor, to the automatic opening of the prison gate; These are truly miraculous events.
The constant prayer of the church did not make the miracles happen, that is the Father’s perogative, as He wills, but the outpouring of love that motivated both prayer in the spirit and in the understanding birthed an expectation that the Father would deliver Peter, even though all seemed lost. I believe that Peter had that expectation of deliverance also, hence his ability to sleep the night before his trial and the certain execution that would follow.
The workings of miracles is a demonstration of the Spirit of God. It works best when love is the prime motivation. Constant prayer, prayer without ceasing, motivated by love, both toward our Heavenly Father and for the individuals who have a need cannot guarantee a miracle, but it builds hope, an expectation of deliverance. As we pray in tongues we allow the Holy Spirit to search the hearts of those that have needs and He makes the intercession for them, which we speak out in tongues, groanings which cannot be uttered, except by the Spirit of God.
I am greatly encouraged by these scriptures. The workings of miracles is the Father’s business. My business is to pray constantly, without ceasing, out of a heart of love and gratitude, both in the spirit and in the understanding, expecting our Heavenly Father to deliver those that have needs. Can I encourage you to meditate upon these scriptures, to pray both in the spirit and in the understanding for someone you know who needs deliverance from a seemingly impossible situation; to expect the all loving, all powerful One to do just that. Amen.
Have a glorious day!