Acts 12 records a time when “Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church” (verse 1). After killing James (verses 2-3), Herod put Peter in prison, intending to “bring him forth to the people” soon after (verses 3-4). Notice verse 5: Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Verses 6-10 go on to record how God answered the ceaseless prayers of the church and delivered Peter out of prison.
This passage demonstrates one of the elements of prayer taught in Scriptures: intercessions. The word intercession refers to a prayer made on behalf of someone(s) else (see 1 Tim. 2:1-2). The power this can have is seen in Acts 12.
Notice the phrase “without ceasing.” Some translations say prayer was made “earnestly.” This shows the type of prayers we ought to pray for others: continuous and fervent.
There are a lot of ways we can help others: giving, encouraging, edifying, exhorting, showing hospitality, and more. Yet, there is perhaps no greater thing we can do for others than to pray for them.
Like the church at the time of Peter’s imprisonment, may we all fervently pray on behalf of others.
– Michael Hickox