“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” ( James 5:16, KJV)

In the course of life it is easy to wonder if prayers can deliver us, from whatever chain might be holding us back. Well, to get an idea how prayer works we could go back to that time when the Apostle Peter was locked up for sharing the Gospel of Jesus. As he was kept in prison, awaiting sentencing, “constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” ( Acts 12:5). These prayers of the church for one of their own would break the chains locking him down.

In prison, suddenly, “behold an angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shone in the prison and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” and his chains fell off his hands” ( Acts Peter 5:7). Peter was led out passing his guards. When he got to the house of Mary he found the church had “gathered together praying” ( verse 12).

The prayers of believers united had delivered Peter from chains. Here is another important point. In life there are many chains that can hold us down but as you see with prayer all can be broken. “But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord brought him out of the prison” ( verse 17).

Should you be held down by any chain, just know individually or corporately, there is a key in your hands. The power of Prayer!

Prayer today: Lord father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that where there are any chains holding me down, through the power of prayer I might be delivered your glory, this I pray in Jesus’s name.