Praying for a Miracle You Don’t Believe is Coming
5 Day Devotional
This five-day devotional will be taking a deeper dive into the sermon from this weekend. Together, we will explore how collective prayer unlocks God's power, overcoming challenges that seem impossible through faith, and surrendering our own control.
Day 1
Scripture: Acts 12:5
The story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison is a powerful reminder of the church's role in intercessory prayer. When faced with overwhelming obstacles, the early church showed the strength of collective, earnest prayer in times of desperation. They gathered not just in hope but in expectation that God would intervene in ways beyond their understanding. This narrative invites us to examine the limits of our faith and challenges us to move beyond passive hopes to active and fervent prayer.
As we consider the chains that bind us—be they personal struggles or broader societal issues—we are called to realize that our human limitations are God's opportunities to demonstrate His power. The lesson is clear: when we come together in prayer, aligning our hearts and wills with God's, the barriers that hold us back can fall away just as Peter's chains fell.
Reflect on a time you felt powerless and how prayer influenced that situation.
What chains—personal or community-wide—do you feel can only be broken through prayer?
How can you increase your expectation when you pray?
Pray for the faith to perceive God's intervention in your impossible challenges.
Ask God to show you how your community can gather in powerful prayer together.
Day 2
Scripture: Acts 12:12-14
The reactions of the early church upon hearing of Peter's escape unveil a profound truth about our human nature. They were deeply engaged in prayer for Peter's release, yet initially responded with disbelief when their prayers were answered. This incident reveals the gap that often exists between our prayers and the expectations we hold regarding their outcomes. The challenge for us is to pray with an unwavering belief that God can and will answer in ways we might not expect.
Rhoda's joy at recognizing Peter's voice is a testament to the power of recognizing God's work in our lives. Often, we pray for transformation while inadvertently shutting ourselves off from recognizing when God answers. This narrative implores us to remain open to God's miraculous work, fully expecting it to manifest in tangible ways, and eager to celebrate it when it does.
Think about a time when you were surprised by an answered prayer. How did it affect your faith?
What steps can you take to pray with greater expectation?
How do you react to God's answered prayers in others' lives?
Pray for eyes to see and ears to hear when God answers your prayers.
Ask God for the faith to believe in His power and readiness to celebrate when He moves.
Day 3
Scripture: Acts 12:17
Peter's message to the gathered believers was one of silence and humility, a recognition that the deliverance he experienced was not by human hand but by divine intervention. It's a call to recognize that our breakthroughs are not for our glory but to bear witness to God's omnipotence. This miraculous escape was less about Peter’s safety and more about showcasing God's unstoppable power.
As we ponder the story, we are reminded that while we are called to action, it is ultimately God who orchestrates true deliverance. The humility to step back and acknowledge God's hand in our breakthroughs paves the way for His purposes to unfold. Our role is to trust, pray earnestly, and respond in obedience when God acts.
How can you cultivate humility in celebrating your own breakthroughs?
Identify a recent blessing in your life. How did God’s power play a role in it?
What steps can you take to ensure God's glory is recognized in your life?
Pray for the wisdom to acknowledge and honor God in all breakthroughs.
Request God’s guidance in using personal victories to testify to His greatness.
Day 4
Scripture: Acts 12:20-24
The dichotomy between Herod’s downfall and the church's triumph offers a stark reminder of the temporal nature of human power versus the eternal relevance of divine authority. Herod, who sought glory for himself, was struck down, while the word of God continued to grow and spread. This contrast invites reflection on where we place our trust and the foundations we choose to build upon.
The lesson here is one of alignment—aligning ourselves with the advancing kingdom and God’s purposes instead of our own ambitions. When we do, we become part of a movement that is both unstoppable and uncontainable, reflective of the growth seen in Acts despite opposition.
Consider areas in your life where you may rely excessively on personal power. How can you shift that reliance to God?
Reflect on how you react to authority and power. How aligned is it with biblical teaching?
What steps can you take to support the spread of God’s word in your community?
Pray for strength to submit your life and work to God’s direction and authority.
Ask for opportunities to glorify God above your personal accomplishments.
Day 5
Scripture: Acts 12:24-25
The growth of God's word despite adversity is a powerful testament to the church's resilience and the unstoppable nature of God's plan. The early church's persistence in prayer and faith, even during intense persecution, resulted in the multiplication of believers and the expansion of their spiritual reach.
We are reminded that our trials, when faced with faith and perseverance, contribute to God’s grander vision. Our role as modern believers is to steward this legacy—praying unceasingly, standing firm in faith, and advancing the mission of the church. In doing so, we become active participants in God’s redemptive story for our world.
Think about a recent challenge in your life. How can you approach it with the resilience and faith demonstrated by the early church?
What role can you play in ensuring that God’s word continues to spread in your community?
How can the challenges you face be testimonies of faith and perseverance?
Pray for the unyielding courage to persist in prayer and faith in all circumstances.
Ask God to use your challenges as a platform to witness to His grace and power.
