In the Book of Acts Chapter 12, we see Peter being held in prison at the order of Herod. Following the martydom of James by the sword, there was only one thing that was going to happen to Peter and that he too was going to face death. But in verse 6 from chapter 12, we read:- 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. What? Peter was sleeping? He was going to be facing death and he was sound asleep and chained between two guards? How could he have a restful deep sleep knowing what was to come?
Peter knew what it was to pray and know His Lord. The Holy Spirit that dwells within gives a strength and peace that only He can bring. Jesus says that He brings a peace that the world cannot bring, that we would have trouble but not to worry, as He has overcome the world. Peter had peace! But back in verse 5 we read:-•5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. The Church were praying constantly. Without ceasing. What an important factor prayer is. It is this place of intimacy and prayer that you know Christ and His strength. We cannot replace ‘intimacy with activity’. Jesus did not! It is written that Jesus often withdrew himself to pray! But from time spent with the Lord in prayer and what you receive in the ‘secret place’ is then poured out to others. The outworking things of God from you and the church are a result of the time spent receiving from Him.
Prayer and fasting are essential for the things of God for His Church. The true fruit that He is looking for are birthed from the place of prayer. Jesus says many times about this, and we would do well to listen and obey.
In Matthew 9 verse 15 Jesus says in response to a question why His disciples were not fasting: -•And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom (or the children of the bridal chamber-KJV) mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. “They WILL fast!”
The Church are the children of the bridal chamber – we know that there is a wedding supper of the Lamb coming and therefore He is talking about us. Let us pray – let us desire that place as Jesus did too – let us know the joy and peace from that time spent with our precious Lord – so like Peter, we can sleep peacefully whatever situation we find ourselves in!!
