After John's brother James was killed, Peter found himself in prison awaiting a similar fate. It was Passover and even though sixteen guards watched him to make sure he showed up for his public trial, it must not have been his time to die. Sleeping between and chained to two soldiers, an angel appeared and escorted Peter out of his imprisonment, right past the sleeping guards and those watching the main gate. In all this, Peter thought he was dreaming; that is, until he realized God had effected his escape.

Peter went where he knew he would be safe for the night. Surely the next morning havoc would break out and the guards would be looking for him. As he knocked on the door, Scripture tells us all those gathered together were earnestly praying for his release. Interestingly, while they were still praying, the answer to their prayer was standing at the front door. But they continued, until they recognized Peter's voice and let him in. First locked in a jail and then locked out of a safe room, Peter seemed to have more trouble getting in the prayer room than he did getting out of jail.

I wonder how many times I've prayed while the answer was knocking on my hard head trying to get my attention. I don't know for certain, but I wouldn't be surprised to find out some answers passed me by because I failed to look for an answer because I was too busy praying.

May we learn that prayer is not only asking, but looking around to see if God has answered us. And may we also learn to look for answers in places where God is working and not just where we think the answer will appear.

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (2Ki 23; Acts 12:1-19)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2005 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
All Rights Reserved