Pray Earnestly to God in the Name of Jesus Christ

Baptist Daily Devotional
Jul 6
3 min read

Rev. Tse Amable | July 6 2025 | Acts 12:3-5

KEY VERSE: “So Peter was kept in prison, BUT THE CHURCH WAS EARNESTLY PRAYING TO GOD FOR HIM.” Acts 12:3 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

The Church prayed EARNESTLY (PERSISTENTLY AND FERVENTLY) for Peter when Herod arrested him with the intention of killing him. The way they prayed was one reason why they received the expected answer. The other reason why the answer came so fast was the God to whom they presented their petition or supplication. They prayed to the God who hears and answers prayers. This was the God who said through the Psalmist “call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honour me” (Psalms 50:15). Indeed,, they prayed to the God who said prophetically “before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear” (Isaiah 65:24). I believe they prayed and called on the God of Israel because they knew what he did in history.

However, as disciples of Jesus Christ, they would have prayed to God in the name of Jesus Christ. This is one of the lessons on prayer that their Master taught them. Towards the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus Christ told his disciples, “I will do whatever you ask IN MY NAME, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything IN MY NAME, and I will do it” (John 14:13-14). In John 15.16, he again promised them, “the Father will give you whatever you ask IN MY NAME”. With this assurance in their minds, on that day when Peter prayed for the healing of the lame man, he said, “... IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, walk.” (Acts 3:6).

If you want your prayers to be answered as theirs were, learn to pray EARNESTLY to GOD IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

How do you understand praying to God in the name of Jesus Christ? Do you know that having your prayers answered depends on being in the right relationship with Jesus Christ through faith? Know that the name of Jesus Christ is not merely a magic wand to use in prayer. You must have a personal relationship with him through faith (Acts 19:13-18).

PRAYER:

Father, I thank you for the power in the name of Jesus Christ. Thank you for granting us everything I ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Please help me to maintain a healthy relationship with you through faith in Jesus Christ. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 187: 2 Samuel 21 - Atonement for Saul’s Sins

DAILY word study: TO GOD The phrase “to God” in Acts 12:5 is from the Greek pros ton Theon (πρὸς τὸν Θεόν). The preposition pros means “toward” or “in the direction of.” It suggests direct, intentional movement, not general or vague speaking. Theon is the accusative form of Theos, meaning "God" - The One true and living God.

This tells us something powerful: the church didn’t just pray—they prayed to God. Their words weren’t scattered. Their hope wasn’t misplaced. They turned with purpose to the only One who could help. This kind of prayer recognises who God is: present, personal, and powerful. To pray to God is to believe He listens and acts.

Reflect on this

Where do your prayers go? Are they truly directed toward the God who hears and saves?