Lilac Ministries

Bible Study Lessons

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Scripture: Acts 12:1-10

Topic: Interceding for Other's Release

Today’s story involves imprisonment - and even death - dealt in accordance with political expediency. Herod seems to have no interest in justice. (Is that an understatement?)

The response of the Christian community is to offer fervent prayer.

Peter is subsequently delivered in a miraculous way, at the direction of an angel, through the gate leading out of the prison and into the city. Scripture notes that this gate “opened of its own accord.”

We spoke of several types of prayer and the various ways in which petitions might be offered. Sometimes it’s helpful to picture loved ones nestled safely in God’s hands. Sometimes we find both consolation and healing as we pray for God’s mercy in the form of “an Acts 12:10 opening of the gate.” Sometimes we pray very specifically, and at other times we try to, in a sense, “leave the gate open” for our Abba to act in any way that would be helpful. Sometimes we are able to offer our prayers purely. Sometimes we find that our prayers (or the prayers offered for us) are alloyed with judgmental attitudes. Some people pray as a last resort. Others pray for guidance daily or many times a day.

Peter, delivered through the prison gate, finds himself standing at the door outside the house of Mary, “the mother of John who was also called Mark.” Rhoda, overcome with joy, leaves him outside the gate. We laughed at the irony, but we realized that Peter’s reaction may have been quite different. It’s very likely that Peter’s prayers had been those of one preparing to die at Herod’s hands. (We trust, however, that Peter found peace, given that the angel had to rouse him!)

Lord, help us to acknowledge, with compassion, others and their places of captivity. Help us to intercede with pure hearts. Help us to offer hope to others, even as we pray for their release.