Ordinary Prayer - Extraordinary God

Acts

When Andrew Brunson, an EPC missionary pastor from North Carolina, was arrested in Turkey in 2016, he found himself suddenly cut off from his family, his congregation, and his freedom. For two long years, he sat in a Turkish prison, accused of crimes he did not commit. In response, Christians around the world prayed fervently for his release. Many wondered why God seemed silent. Yet in His perfect timing, the Lord answered those prayers. In 2018, Andrew was miraculously freed and returned home. Looking back, he testifies that God used those dark days to strengthen his faith and to remind the Church that prayer is not wasted effort.

This Sunday we come to Acts 12:1–19, where Peter finds himself in a strikingly similar place. He was imprisoned for his witness to Christ, while the church gathers to pray. They could not have known what God was about to do. Yet while they prayed, the Lord sent an angel to open the prison doors. It was an extraordinary deliverance brought about through ordinary prayer.

Through this passage, we’ll see that God calls every Christian to pray—to pray to God, to pray together, to pray earnestly, and to pray specifically. And while God’s answers may not always come in the way or timing we expect we can trust that He always hears and always acts for His glory and our good.

To prepare for worship, spend time reading and meditating on Acts 12:1–19, Psalm 34:15–22, Matthew 7:7–11, Philippians 4:4–7, and James 5:13–18. As you read, ask the Lord to renew in you a heart for prayer and in response I ask that you consider joining us this Sunday evening at 5:00 as we come before our extraordinary God in ordinary prayer.

As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “All You That Fear Jehovah’s Name,” the Acclamation of Praise “And Can It Be,” and the Hymn of Response “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!

Sermon Information

Text: Acts 12:1-19

Title: Ordinary Prayer - Extraordinary God

1. Every Christian is Called to Pray to God
2. Every Christian is Called to Pray Together
3. Every Christian is Called to Pray Earnestly
4. Every Christian is Called to Pray Specifically

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