When Herod saw that the killing of James pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter with the intention of killing him also.  God's chosen people, the Jews, not for the first time, failed to understand God's plan.  Herod saw only what made him popular.  When the lost of the world and those who call themselves God's people begin working for the same purpose, the real followers of Christ suffer.  Peter was arrested and placed in prison under a heavy guard.  Herod intended to bring him to the people after Easter. While Herod made his plans, the believers didn't storm the jail.  They prayed.  I don't think they were thinking all we can do is pray.  I think they believed that prayer would actually change things.  When did they pray?  Without ceasing.  The night before Herod would have brought Peter forth, prayers were answered.  I am not sure how many days Peter was in prison, but I am sure Herod intended to keep him there until he was ready to let him out.  Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two guards, with a guard at the door.  If we had been in Peter's position, would we have been sleeping?  I sometimes hear people, even Christians, say they couldn't sleep because things were just so bad.  Our faith should give us peace beyond our circumstances.  Peter could have spent the night pacing, plotting, and questioning or blaming God.  I believe he slept because he had truly given his life to God.  The answer to prayers was an angel who came to free Peter.  Light shined in the prison, but the angel had to wake Peter.  Peter was told to rise and the chains fell off.  He was told to get dressed and follow the angel.  Peter thought he was having a vision, but he still obeyed.  They passed the first and second ward and went out the iron gate, which opened of its own accord.  Herod had done everything he could to ensure that Peter was imprisoned, but he failed.  No matter how bleak things look to us, God will always provide a way for us to do what he asks us to do.  After he was outside the prison and the angel had departed, Peter realized it wasn't a vision.  He was free.  Prayers were answered, and Peter was free without anyone storming the prison.  We today need to truly understand the power of prayer.  When everything in the world looks bleak, we need to rest in the peace of God, not despair at the insanity of the world.  Above all else, we need to pray believing.