Why Pray?

King Herod arrested and killed the Disciple James. Then he arrested Peter and held Peter in prison during Passover. The Jerusalem church fervently prays. God then sends an Angel who breaks Peter out of prison. Peter goes on to many more years of ministry.This dramatic incident in Acts 12 brings up an interesting question.

The incident is a favorite Bible story and we correctly used it to highlight God's love, mercy, power, and the fact that God answers prayer. Here is where the question arises, "Why did the church have to pray?" After all God knew, that Peter was in prison. He knew Herod intended to kill Peter. He knew that He intended for Peter to continue in ministry. Even Jesus said, "...for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ... For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." {Matthew 6:8, 32}

So we ask: "Why was it so important for the church to spend so much time in fervent prayer?" Hard as it may be for us to understand, God wants us involved in the process. I know that because God repeatedly commands us to pray. One example is, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." {Ephesians 6:18} Prayer is one potent way we can be involved. We are told, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." {James 5:16b}

Also God wants to be asked. In an important passage on prayer we read, "You do not have, because you do not ask God." {James 4:2b} Jesus' model prayer includes requests. This reminds me of an incident with my children. One of them came to me very upset, because another received a treat and he did not. I simply said, "Did you ask me for a treat?" The reply was "No." I now got in a teaching moment, "I would love to give you one, but I do like a pleasant request." Now came a pleasant request and he received his treat.

The fact is God has done much, so Christians can pray to Him: Jesus died on the cross, rose from the grave, and ascended to the right hand of God the Father so our prayers can be heard. See Hebrews 4:14-16 and 10:19-23.

God even makes provision for those times when we do not know how to put our prayer into words. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." {Romans 8:26-27}

Therefore, the Jerusalem church in Acts 12 was not wasting its time and energy by praying for Peter's release. They were obeying God and taking advantage of the opportunity He provided. In addition, they were being active participants in the solution to their problem!

Thank God that He knows what is going on, thank Him also for wanting you to pray, then be sure to spend time praying - talking and listening to your Heavenly Father.

Written by Rev. Daniel B. Baker June 2005



Articles by Rev. Daniel B. Baker :: Webmaster: Joseph I. Baker