Does Faithful Praying Work?

In the small Texas town of Mt. Vernon, Drummond's Bar began construction on a new building to increase their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign to block the bar from opening with petitions and prayers. Work progressed right up till the week before opening when lightning struck and it burned to the ground. The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that it was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means. The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise in its reply. As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork. At the hearing he commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this case. It appears that we have a bar owner who believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not." If the same judge had been assigned to the case involving the early church in Acts chapter 12, he may have rendered an identical verdict. Peter was in prison; several members were praying earnestly for his release and guess what--it happens.  Their faith and persistent praying brought about a miraculous release. Upon being set free the apostle heads to the house of Mary where everyone has gathered and knocks on the door. A damsel named Rhoda recognizes who it is and runs to tell those inside that the beloved leader is standing outside. Their reply at first was “you are mad.” However, this little girl is persistent, so they decide she has seen an angel. All the meanwhile, Peter continues to knock and someone finally opens the door. Immediately they are all astonished almost beyond belief. How could this be? Someone has said, “The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel.” Why is it that we like the aforementioned seem to doubt our faith and the power of prayer?  We should not be surprised when God moves on our behalf. When we follow the instructions given we should trust that the door of opportunity will swing open over and over because faithful praying really does work!