Series: What About James? 
Message: What About James?
Preacher: Mic Thurber
Daily Walk: David Smith

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 68:19-23.

Read: Acts 12:1-19 (NIV). As you read the New International Version, note 1-3 insights.

Reflect: One of the most striking aspects of this story is the element of community that is involved. When Peter finds himself in prison, is easy to imagine that he felt isolated in the experience. While this may have been what he felt, it certainly was not the reality. Peter in fact had an entire community rallying behind him. We are told that “those in the church” prayed earnestly for him. We don’t know how many there were or who all of them were, but we know that this community cared deeply about what happened to Peter. We’re told that when he arrived at the house of Mary, there was a group praying (presumably for him). Likely others were praying for him as well because he wanted to make sure that “James and the brothers” were also informed. 
It appears that not only did this group of people care enough about Peter to pray for him but that they made an effort to pray together for him. The Bible seems to place an emphasis on bringing community together in prayer. And it seems to be more than a healthy way to practice Christian community, it is also an effective way to pray. 
Jesus tells us: “…if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” —Matthew 18:19-20. And in James we’re instructed that if someone is sick they should call on the elders for prayer (James 5:14). 
What is is about praying in community that is good and effective? Honestly, I don’t understand how this works . . . yet the Bible seems to indicate that it does. Praying on your own is good and necessary. But praying in community is just as important.

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. In what ways has being in community benefited your life? 
2. How has has the experience of praying together with others differed from the experience of personal prayer?

Respond: Pray for a true sense of community to develop in your circle.

Research: What is the New Testament talking about when it speaks of “church”? How is church designed to bring about community?