The Power of Praying Friends
Praying friends are the best friends! Just this past week, I was praying with a dear friend—and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the gift of a praying friend!
In the book of Acts, we read the story of Peter being arrested and thrown into jail. Apparently, they thought he was a major flight risk because they posted four squads of four soldiers each around him. That’s sixteen men guarding one man! But here’s the part I love—Luke writes, “So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (Acts 12:5).
Sixteen guards can’t stand up to the power of earnestly praying friends!
While Peter was sleeping—still chained up—an angel suddenly appeared and gave him a hard nudge to wake him up. This was no gentle wake-up call. The angel didn’t pat Peter’s back or bring him a warm cup of coffee. Hardly! He was in a hurry and said, “Quick, get up!” (Acts 12:7). Instantly, the chains fell off Peter, and the angel told him to throw on his clothes and sandals. Peter followed the angel right out of the jail cell, half-thinking he was dreaming. But once they reached the street, the angel disappeared, and Peter realized it was all real—he was free.
What happens next is one of my favorite parts of the story.
Peter went straight to the house of Mary, where many believers were gathered and praying for him. He knocked at the door, and a servant girl named Rhoda answered. She was so shocked to see him that she ran back to tell everyone—without even letting him in! “Peter is at the door!” she exclaimed (Acts 12:14). And how did the others respond? They told her she was out of her mind! Can you imagine? They had been praying, and when God answered, they told this poor girl she was delusional! Thankfully, Rhoda persisted. When they finally opened the door, there was Peter—and everyone was astonished that God had answered their prayers!
I love this story! It teaches us so much about the power of prayer.
First, it reminds us that our prayers are stronger than any evil or dark circumstance coming against us. No situation is too impossible for the prayers of God’s people.
Second, it encourages us to wait in expectation for God’s answer. So often when we pray, we get caught up in our requests—or in moaning about whatever trial we’re facing. But what if we prayed like David, who wrote, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3)? Imagine how different our lives might look if we leaned in and truly expected God to move.
Finally, this story reminds us to live in close community. We need one another. When a friend is hurting, are we willing to lean in and do battle on our knees for them? Maybe it’s not about staying up all night, but it is about committing to pray persistently when a friend’s life is falling apart. Prayer can feel like work—but what a beautiful expression of love it is to intercede for our friends.
There’s so much more to unpack in this story, but how about you open your Bible and read it for yourself? I bet God will speak to you in a personal way. Be sure to write down what you sense He’s saying—and then, wait with expectation!
Join the Summer Book Club!
Starting May 29, I’m launching a special Book Club season on The Connected Mom Podcast—focused on Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World. Grab your copy of the book, invite a few friends, and start your own book club! Each week, we’ll dive into meaningful conversations on the podcast to enrich your reading and spark deeper discussion.
This week on The Connected Mom Podcast…
We’re talking with Amber Lia about her new devotional for moms called Untriggered.
