When the Church Prays

Acts 12:1-19

If you are like me you have heard a lot of sermons on this passage.
Most of those sermons deal with the unbelief of those who prayed.
I have been re-examining this passage for a while and have seen so many other things happening, not the least of which is the power of corporate prayer.
Look at verses 1-5.

1.It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them.
2.He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.
3.When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
4.After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.
5.So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

Herod thought he was in control but note how verse 5 says otherwise. The church was praying and God, in his sovereignty, was using their prayer to override Herod and enact his own plan.
In the verses that follow we see that God's plan triumphed over Herod's and, while the church was surprised at God's answer, you can't escape how important prayer was to the early church.

Here's some other examples.
Acts 1:14 - As they wait for the Holy Spirit they prayed.
Acts 2:42 - The summary statement of the early church's ministry includes prayer.
Acts 3:1 - The Apostles continued to observe regular times of scheduled prayer.
Acts 4:24 - When they met opposition they prayed.
Acts 6:4 - The leaders saw prayer as an important part of their responsibility.
Acts 10:5&9 - Prayer was the major vehicle that brought Peter and Cornelius together.

Clearly, prayer was important in the development of the early church. Is this still true today or are we too busy planning and programing?

What really stands out to me in the original passage is the fact that it was corporate prayer that God used. I believe the church will see God do amazing things when we value corporate prayer like the early church did.

What do you think?
Do you really value praying with the people of God?