WE ARE THE CHURCH – Persistent Prayer

“Yahweh Shammah” 

“The Lord is there,” a phrase that invokes the Lord’s immediate and personal presence.

Ezekiel 44:1-4 NIV

Ezekiel 48:35 NIV

Acts 12:1-3 NIV

Acts 12:5 NIV

About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. He had the apostle James  (John’s brother) killed with a sword. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. This took place during the Passover celebration. Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial aFer the Passover. But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed  very earnestly for him.” 

The CHURCH was earnestly praying for him… 

“NEVER LET THE PRESENCE OF A STORM CAUSE YOU TO DOUBT THE PRESENCE OF GOD” Craig Groeschel 

Acts 12:6a NIV

The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep…

The ESV “Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was…sleeping between…”

“THE PLANS OF GOD are ONLY revealed in the PRESENCE of GOD” Mark Batterson

Acts 12:6 NIV

The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others  stood guard at the prison gate.

Psalms 4:8 NIV

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Acts 12:7 NIV

Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on  the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists.

“IT’S HARD TO MOVE WHEN YOUR HANDS ARE STUCK” 

Acts 12:7 NIV

…The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 

Acts 12:8-10 NIV

Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,”  the angel ordered.  So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn’t realize it was  actually happening. They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened  for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him. 

Acts 12:12 NIV

…he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered for prayer.

Acts 12:13-14 NIV

He knocked at the door in the gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to open it. When she  recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, Peter  is standing at the door!

Acts 12:15-16 NIV

You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, It must be his angel.  Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.

Notes:

(MULTILINE)