Acts: A Call to Prayer

REVIEW. “What did you take away from last time?” [Refer to last week’s responses.] “How did that go?” Sermon Summary: Acts is a historical account about the work of the Holy Spirit through the Church. In chapter 12:1-19 we read a miraculous story about Peter’s escape from prison shortly after the death of James. If every story has a moral this one’s can be found in verse 5, “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” It is my opinion that the author is pausing to remind us of a fundamental and foundational reality. That the gospel spreads and the Church grows only through confession (Matt 16:18) and fervent prayer (Acts 12:5). When we send out missionaries, such as our team in Turkey, it is easy to get distracted by strategies and planning. But if life on earth cannot exist without oxygen then Luke is reminding us that confession and prayer must be the breath of all believers whether you go or stay. READ. Key Passage: Acts 12:1-19 Discussion Questions: Truth: Prayer is more relational than ritualistic. What aspects of prayer and reasons to pray have been highlighted to you by the Holy Spirit in this passage? Repentance: Since prayer is relational what makes it difficult for you to engage? Since prayer is vulnerable, how do you handle silence or unwelcome answers? Faith: According to this passage what fuels our faith to pray? Reflect on Matthew chapter 16, what did Jesus promise us when we pray? We all have reasons to resist prayer, have you considered starting with your own unbelief? RESPOND. Ask God, how can today’s discussion further your relationship with God, one another, and the world? Pray together. [Record responses and prayer requests.]