Acts 12

Verse 5, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."

Verse 24, "But the word of God continued to increase and spread."

Persecution was often used to stop a movement. Throughout Acts we see that the persecution of the church, whether it was of her leader (Peter) or others, didn't work. In fact, the church grew and more and more people became followers of Jesus.

I love that the entire church prayed earnestly for Peter. How powerful of an image that is for me as the pastor of Charter Oak Church. The result of that prayer is nothing short of extraordinary! Many probably want to discount this story, but I believe it demonstrates what can happen when the people of God join their hearts and voices together in unity through prayer.

When this happens, God moves. And when God moves the number of people who become believers and followers of Jesus increases.