Note 6 at Acts 9:40: Just as Jesus, Elijah, and Elisha, Peter sought seclusion when raising Dorcas from the dead (see note 2 at Lk. 8:51, p. 216).

Note 7 at Acts 9:40: Peter prayed before he spoke to Tabitha and commanded her to arise. The purpose of Peter praying was to discern the Lord's will. It is always God's perfect will to heal (see notes 1-2 at Mt. 8:16-17, p. 119). However, certain things can keep God's will from coming to pass (Mk. 11:25-26; Jas. 1:5-7; 1 Pet. 3:7). There must be some degree of faith present among those receiving the miracle (see note 2 at Lk. 7:13, p. 173). There is a sin unto death that we are not supposed to pray for (1 Jn. 5:16), and there are many other possible hindrances that keep us from just commanding God's perfect will to come to pass.

When administering a healing or a resurrection, as in this case, we must be led of God to deal with any situations that might hinder the manifestation of our answered prayer. Peter is not recorded as praying in Acts 3 when he healed the lame man, but he did listen to God and discern the situation (see note 2 at Acts 3:4, p. 584).

Note 8 at Acts 9:40: This is the first account of the disciples of Jesus raising someone from the dead. Paul also raised a young man from the dead named Eutychus in the town of Troas (Acts 20:7-12). It is also possible that Paul himself was raised from the dead in Acts 14:19-20. At least those who were trying to kill him thought he was dead.