Many were gathered together praying. Acts 12:12

Peter knocked at the door and a girl named Rhoda came. She knew Peter's voice right away and was so happy she forgot to open the door. She ran back to tell the others, 'Peter's at the door.'

'No,' they said. 'Can't be. You imagine it. Or maybe it's Peter's spirit.' They knew Peter was in jail. Maybe they thought Herod had already killed Peter. They were praying for Peter's release and safety - but they didn't seem to think that God had already answered their prayers.

Peter kept knocking. Finally, they opened the door. Sure enough, it was Peter. Everybody was astonished.

When they settled down, Peter told them how the Lord had brought him out of prison. He also told them to spread the word of his release to other followers of Jesus. Then Peter left to go somewhere else. He knew Herod would be mad when he found out, and Peter didn't want to get others into trouble for helping him.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You hear and answer prayer, even when we hardly expect it. Amen.