Power of prayer and easy deception

Act 12:2-3 Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.

This is the second martyr recorded in Acts. First Stephen, now James and clearly the kings plan was to make Peter the 3rd.

It is interesting to note that the 1st century Christians know the power of prayer:

Acts 12:5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.

Acts 12:12 So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.

It is very difficult for us to get our mind around how absolutely crucial a dedicated and continual prayer life is, even though we are told throughout Scripture of its importance:

1Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,

1Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;

Ephesians 6:17-18 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Colossians 4:2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Isn't it also interesting to note, that exactly like today, people are easily kept from seeking God and His Righteousness by the lure of comfort and peace.

Acts 12:20 Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king's personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king's country.

All the enemy has to do to keep many people from seeking eternal life is make way for them to have peace and comfort in the here and now. Sad but true.