1. Acts 12 ãLessons on Prayer

2. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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.

3. 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. Acts 12: Prayer

4. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer

5. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. Acts 12: Prayer

6. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. 11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” Acts 12: Prayer

7. 12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” Acts 12: Prayer

8. 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12: Prayer

9. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the brothers about this,” he said, and then he left for another place. Acts 12: Prayer

10. ãHerod was going to kill the leader of the early church ãvs.5 “…but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” Ü5 Lessons on prayer: Acts 12: Prayer

11. Acts 12:1 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.

12. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. The story begins here

13. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers!

14. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers! James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Unanswered prayer

15. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers! Unanswered prayer James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

16. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers! John 14:13 “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” Unanswered prayer

17. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers! John 14:13 “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Unanswered prayer

18. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers!d John 14:13 “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” 1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Unanswered prayer Unqualified faith only when we know we are asking according to his will

19. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers! James 4:2b You do not have because you do not ask. Unanswered prayer

20. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers! James 4:2b You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. Unanswered prayer

21. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers! Summary:Reasons: 1. Unbelief 2. Not God’s will 3. Failure to pray 4. Wrong motives Unanswered prayer

22. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. 1. No promise to answer any and all prayers! Summary:Reasons: 1. Unbelief 2. Not God’s will 3. Failure to pray 4. Wrong motives 5. Timing… Unanswered prayer

23. Acts 12: Prayer Acts 12:1 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. A seven day feast

24. 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. Acts 12: Prayer At least several days of imprisonment

25. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer

26. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer Why no answer during the previous days?

27. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer 2. Importance of persistence in prayer Lk. 18:1

28. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer 2. Importance of persistence in prayer Lk. 18:1 18:1 Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart… Persistence in prayer

29. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer 2. Importance of persistence in prayer Lk. 18:1 1. Different than “meaningless repetition” Persistence in prayer Matt. 6:7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.”

30. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer 2. Importance of persistence in prayer Lk. 18:1 1. Different than “meaningless repetition” Prayer clip: - Type of communication - Sacred objects - Gestures of approach - Dissociation Persistence in prayer

31. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer 2. Importance of persistence in prayer Lk. 18:1 1. Different than “meaningless repetition” Prayer clip: - Type of communication - Sacred objects - Gestures of approach - Dissociation Persistence in prayer

32. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer 2. Importance of persistence in prayer Lk. 18:1 1. Different than “meaningless repetition” - Not meaningless - Not meaningless - Issue-oriented and relational - Issue-oriented and relational Persistence in prayer

33. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer 2. Importance of persistence in prayer Lk. 18:1 1. Different than “meaningless repetition” - Not meaningless - Not meaningless - Issue-oriented and relational - Issue-oriented and relational - A posture of faith - A posture of faith - Not an effort to compel God - Not an effort to compel God Persistence in prayer

34. 6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists. Acts 12: Prayer 2. Importance of persistence in prayer Lk. 18:1 1. Different than “meaningless repetition” - Not meaningless - Not meaningless - Issue-oriented and relational - Issue-oriented and relational - A posture of faith - A posture of faith - Not an effort to compel God - Not an effort to compel God - Good for us and our relationship with God - Good for us and our relationship with God Persistence in prayer

35. 12...he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12: Prayer 3. Corporate prayer Mt. 18:19,20 Mt. 18:19,20

36. 12...he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12: Prayer 3. Corporate prayer Mt. 18:19,20 Mt. 18:19,20 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.”

37. 12...he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Acts 12: Prayer 3. Corporate prayer Mt. 18:19,20 Mt. 18:19,20 19 “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst.”

38. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!” Acts 12: Prayer

39. 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12: Prayer

40. 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12: Prayer 4. Quantity of their faith= unimportant Lk 17:6

41. 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12: Prayer 4. Quantity of their faith= unimportant Lk 17:6 Not the amount of faith, but the object of faith!

42. 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12: Prayer 5. How easy it is to miss answers to prayer!

43. 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12: Prayer 5. How easy it is to miss answers to prayer! Answered prayer Recognize it

44. 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12: Prayer 5. How easy it is to miss answers to prayer! Answered prayer Recognize it Appreciate it

45. 15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Acts 12: Prayer 5. How easy it is to miss answers to prayer! Answered prayer Recognize it Appreciate it Remember it

46. Conclusions ãPrayer is not magic ãIt is calling on God to do his will ãIt is relating to God ãFew are satisfied with their prayer lives

47. Conclusions ãPrayer is not magic ãIt is calling on God to do his will ãIt is relating to God ãFew are satisfied with their prayer lives (except for the Pharisee) (except for the Pharisee)

48. Conclusions ãPrayer is not magic ãIt is calling on God to do his will ãIt is relating to God ãFew are satisfied with their prayer lives (except for the Pharisee) (except for the Pharisee) ãDon’t waste time wringing your hands-- Come to God!

49. ãComments? ãQuestions? ãExperiences? Acts 12: Persecution and Prayer