Acts 12

“So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God” (v5).  James, one of the 12 apostles, had been beheaded by Herod.  Now the believers were praying “fervently” for Peter’s release.  Obviously, they knew he could die like James, but while he was alive, they were called to pray in faith.  King David showed this same faith; he prayed while his son lived, and he received God’s comfort when he died (2 Samuel 12:22).

The early believers grieved James’ death but still prayed in faith for others.  They trusted God and rejoiced when He delivered Peter.