Article January 5, 1952 Issue

"PRAYER...WITHOUT CEASING"

RUTH ANGELL

In the inspiring account of the deliverance of Peter, who had been imprisoned by Herod, we read these words (Acts 12:5): "Prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him." Although the immediate situation presented many seemingly insurmountable barriers —chains on his hands, two soldiers guarding him, prison doors, and guards—all these were quickly overcome when the angel of the Lord came upon Peter and a light shone in the prison. In the account we read that the angel smote him on the side, raised him up, and bade him arise quickly. As he did so, the chains fell from his hands.

So often the question comes to us today, What can I individually do to promote peace when we seem to be surrounded by the threat of world conflict, opposing nations, warring groups within each nation, and the confusion of individuals frustrated by the belief of many minds? An unfailing answer is found in the Bible account of Peter. The unceasing prayer and instant obedience to spiritual guidance which brought about deliverance for Peter will do the same for each individual, each nation, each defender of a righteous cause, when that one listens for the voice of God and then hastens to obey.

Sometimes in our human experiences an angel thought comes to us. and the light of Truth shines all around us; but more often we sleep on. our eyes—our spiritual perception—closed to the liberating presence of God. But when we awake in the light of our true being as free sons of God, our chains fall off.

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