[Herod's Night] James had fallen by Herod's sword, Peter was chained and the feast was near. Four watches guarded the prison floor, While prayer rose steady from saints in fear. [Verse I] Light filled the cell, a hand struck his side, Arise up quickly, the messenger cried. Chains left his wrists, sandals went on, Past guard after guard before knowing the dawn. [Chorus] The iron gate opened of its own accord, The street received the servant of the Lord. Prayer in the house, chains on the stone, God led him out where no man walked alone. The iron gate opened, the night gave way, And mercy arrived before judgment day. [Verse II] At Mary's door he continued to knock, Rhoda knew Peter and ran from the lock. They called her mad while she carried the word, Then opened in wonder and saw what they heard. [Bridge] He motioned for silence and told how the hand Of God brought him out from the prisoner's stand. Tell James and the brethren, then Peter withdrew, And daylight found guards with no answer to give. [Final Chorus] The iron gate opened of its own accord, The church had been pleading before the Lord. No chain was louder than prayer through the night, No guard could imprison the path of the light. [Outro] Rhoda left the door unopened, But heaven had opened the gate.