Explanation

(A) PETER'S MIRACULOUS ESCAPE FROM PRISON (ACTS 12:1-19)

i. Herod Agrippa opposed and persecuted the church.

ii. He killed James, the brother of John.

iii. When Herod realised that the death of James pleased the Jews, he went ahead to arrest Peter.

iv. This arrest took place during the celebration of the feast of the unleavened bread.

v. Herod intended to have Peter killed after the Passover celebrations.

vi. The night before the day Herod planned to kill Peter, Peter was bound with chains and placed between two soldiers/ he was heavily guarded to prevent his escape.

vii. While Peter was in prison, constant prayers were said on his behalf.

viii. As Peter was asleep, an angel of the Lord appeared to him and a light shone in the cell.

ix. The angel touched and woke him up, saying, "Get up quickly."

x. Immediately, the chains fell off from his hands and the angel told him to dress up Which Peter obeyed.

xi. The angel then commanded Peter to follow him.

xii. Peter thought that he was dreaming all the while.

xiii. But when he passed through the first and second gates and came to the Iron Gate leading into the city, the gate opened of its own accord.

xiv. When the angel left Peter, he realised that the Lord had sent an angel to rescue him from the power of Herod.

xv. Peter immediately went to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark where the brethren had gathered to pray for him in the middle of the night.

xvi. When Peter knocked at the door, Rhoda identified his voice and told the brethren that Peter was at the door knocking.

xvii. But the brethren expressed disbelief and said Rhoda was mad.

xviii. They said the one at the door might be Peter's angel/ghost.

xix. Eventually, when the door was opened and they saw Peter, they were amazed and wanted to shout for joy but Peter restrained them.

xx. Peter described how his release from prison happened and he later fled from Jerusalem.

xxi. As Peter could not be found in the morning after a search, Herod ordered for the execution of the guards. 
 

(B) FACTORS THAT MOTIVATE PEOPLE TO PRAY

i. In times of sickness/stress or difficult, etc. (Petition/Supplication Prayer).

ii. When people sin against God, they pray to confess their sins and ask for forgiveness (Confessional prayer).

iii. To dedicate or commit oneself to God as a new being (Dedication prayer).

iv. To bless or consecrate an object/building, vestment, etc.

v. To seek God's counsel or favours in making important decisions, e.g. examinations, interviews, etc.

vi. To obtain protection against evil/the devil.

vii. The desire for spiritual growth.

viii. To intercede for loved ones going through affliction (Intercessory prayers).

ix. For adoration/appreciation or thanksgiving to God for His mercies (Thanksgiving prayer).

x. When led by the Holy Spirit/fellowship of believers. 
 

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