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"Peter therefore was kept in prison: BUT PRAYER WAS MADE without ceasing of the church unto God for him." (Acts 12:5) (caps mine)The mention of Peter, Prison, and Prayer in this verse brought Sorrow, Separation, and Supplication for those brave brothers and sisters in the early days of Christianity.We find here in these opening verses where James was beheaded by Herod, that Hatchet man Headed for Hell, and Peter awaiting his own execution in prison. Ah, but then we read those words, "but prayer was made." Yes, when "prayer was made", power was displayed (vs. 6-11).Verse 5 is the turning point of the entire chapter. Although it begins with Herod on a rampage, the chapter ends with the Gospel reigning. For we find in v. 24, “But the word of God grew and multiplied." Make no mistake about it, when the dust had cleared, we see that the message from Heaven had increased, and the madness of Herod was deceased.There are four key points of this pivotal prayer:First, it was "without ceasing." Paul laid that out for us in those 3 simple words that are easy to understand saying, "Pray without ceasing." (I Thessalonians 5:17) Colossians 4:2 tells us to "continue in prayer." Jesus Himself tells us that we will continue receiving and finding as we continue asking and searching (Matthew 7:7).Second, the prayer was made by "the church." If we do not pray for one another in the body of Christ, then who will do the praying? Do you think those who laugh at us and mock us are praying for God to bless us? What about those terrorists who want nothing more than to see our blood filling the streets? Do you reckon they are on their knees every morning praying for our safety? I think not! I am to pray for you, and you are to pray for me. In James 5:16, we are told to "Confess your faults one to another, and PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (caps mine)Third, this prayer was "unto God." Many years ago, I had a fella tell me, and mind you, he called himself a Christian, that he didn't pray that much because he never saw God at work. He asked me if I ever saw God at work? I told him, "I see God working every time I read my Bible. I see God working every time a lost soul trusts Christ for salvation. I see God at work every time He answers someone's prayer. I don't have to visibly see God to behold His works." Folks, all of us need to have that kind of Godly Gleam in our eyes and just continue studying, witnessing, and praying. Moses continued on, didn't he? Hebrews 11:27 tells us, "...for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible."Fourth, the prayer was made "for him", for Peter. Personal, intercessory prayer for those in need is Christ’s command to His Church. We are to “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." (Hebrews 13:3) Do you pray for just some folks, or do you pray for all folks who are in need? The Bible tells us in I Timothy 2:1-2, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made FOR ALL MEN; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." (caps mine) I believe the reason why so many Christians do not "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" is because their prayers are more about their wants instead of other's needs.Friends, is that kind of prayer life that we see in the lives of those Christians in the Book of Acts found in our character, in our calling, and in our closet? If so, then rest assured, it will be the turning point in the midst of our weaknesses, our worries, and our weeping. Oh, what mighty answers await us as we call upon God in prayer.