Fervent persevering prayers <br />Are faith's assured resource, <br />Brazen gates, and iron bars, <br />In vain withstand their force: <br />Peter when in prison cast, <br />Though by soldiers kept with care; <br />Though the doors were bolted fast, <br />Was soon released by prayer. <br /> <br />While he slept an angel came <br />And spread a light around; <br />Touched, and called him by his name, <br />And raised him from the ground: <br />All his chains and fetters burst, <br />Every door wide open flew; <br />Peter thought he dreamed, at first, <br />But found the vision true. <br /> <br />Thus the Lord can make a way <br />To bring his saints relief; <br />'Tis their part, to wait and pray, <br />In spite of unbelief: <br />He can break through walls of stone, <br />Sink the mountain to a plain; <br />They, to whom his name is known; <br />Can never pray in vain. <br /> <br />Thus in chains of guilt and sin, <br />Poor sinners sleeping lie; <br />No alarm is felt within, <br />Although condemned to die: <br />Till descending from above <br />Mercy smiling in his eyes <br />Jesus, with a voice of love, <br />Awakes, and bids them rise. <br /> <br />Glad the summons they obey, <br />And liberty desire; <br />Strait their fetters melt away, <br />Like wax before the fire: <br />By the word of him who died, <br />Guilty pris'ners to release; <br />Every door flies open wide, <br />And they depart in peace.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/peter-released-from-prison/
