Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church... And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, "You are beside yourself!" ... And when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.
~ Acts 12:5;13-14;16 (NKJV)
"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."
~ John 15:7 (NKJV)
I can't be the only one to find humor throughout the Bible.
The believers earnestly pray for Peter's release from prison. God's angel releases Peter. Peter shows up—while they're praying for him—and they leave him at the door, denying it's him, because of course Peter's in prison. Hello! They prayed for him! Didn't they expect God might answer?
Is prayer a mental exercise for comfort? Or to ask what you desire from the King of the Universe, according to His will? Do we absently plead, "God help me find my keys," and just as absently beg for big stuff without really expecting favor? Do we wait patiently for answers?
When I pray in petition, I try to ask according to God's Word and will so He'll view the request favorably; I make requests specific enough that an answer can be recognized and attributed to God; and as a rule, I avoid asking for anything on a timetable, figuring God's timing is best.
I do pray for my readers—by name if I know who you are. Please feel free to leave a prayer request today, or any day. I'll ask what you desire, as God's Spirit leads. You may post it in the blog site comments, or e-mail me privately at BuildingHisBody@gmail.com.
Father, thank You for the incredible privilege to come boldly before Your throne in the name of Your precious Son Jesus. Please lead us to pray according to Your will. Please send to this site everyone whom You wish to bless through it. Please direct my words in prayer on their behalf and the words I write. Please build up Your people in strength and draw us closer to You.
Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy
Dear Anne, I smiled when I read of Rhoda...and this is before I read your commentary! Not only do I get tickled by the astonishment of Peter at the door, I get tickled at Rhoda leaving him standing there. :) Indeed, I find humor in the Bible.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the time and effort you pour into this blog, Anne. Your writing shines for Christ.
Oops, I meant, "the astonishment those praying felt when they saw Peter at the door." Though, I'm still Peter was still pretty astonished too...and hurting from the kick in the side he received from the angel (I find joyful humor all over this story). :)
ReplyDeleteI knew what you meant, Gwen. I don't think I'd mind being struck by God's angel. The Lord has a way of getting our attention that smarts a bit, but brings release in the end.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being such an inspiration to me my friend, love you.
ReplyDeleteAnne:
ReplyDeleteMay your fervent and effectual prayers go up for the many who are hurting in these hard times, some of whom know not where true peace and relief are to be sought and found.
Struck by an Angel ... sounds vaguely like the premise for a t.v. show. Nah, would never work.
ReplyDelete