Prayer sets free

Acts 12:1-17 “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.”

I received good thoughts to the theme people and captivity.

In today's message, I don't want to look at our name and position before God, but man and his captivity. The man was imprisoned and could not move freely, let alone free himself. However, prayer without ceasing loosened the chains and opened the doors.

Many people, also believers, find themselves in captivity through circumstances. They are literally paralyzed by worries and pressure. They can't come out of the situation by themselves. They need prayer without ceasing.

Imprisonment and locked doors as we read, is no hindrance for God. I am certain that He will reach closed hearts behind the thickest walls. “When we pray for it!”

Let us pray for the grace that God reaches the hearts of those who are still held captive by Satan. But, let us also pray to be freed from the chains which still from time to time bind us. For example, ideals, ideas, habits, excuses, etc...

When we pray, let us do so in faith,


James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.”

God places great value on it when we also believe when we pray. We can expect Him to hear our prayers! So we pray in Jesus' Name for freedom! Our prayer will and can tear down walls!

John 8:36 “''If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.'' Amen

Be very blessed

Rosemarie Schauer (Hojus)