28
A Prayer for Boldness
Tim Savage27“In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. 28But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. 29And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Acts 4
In fact, this is happening here in this very city! The government, the media, Hollywood and a rapidly growing number of people in our country and around the world are united against Jesus. They want Him out of our schools, out of our courts, out of government, out of the military and out of our lives. But everything that is happening was determined before the beginning of time, according to Your will. So now, dear Heavenly Father, hear their threats and give us, Your servants, great boldness in preaching Your word.
Act was written 2000 years ago but is more relevant today than ever. The world is quickly turning away from Christianity and becoming more and more hostile towards believers. We see it in the sudden decline and decay of our country’s morals and the outright wars against all that we stand for, but God knew that would happen and He has given us the tools to prepare for life in this tough environment.
Lord, we ask for strength, courage and boldness because our mission is still the same – to tell the world about Your love and grace. We must witness to those around us the story of salvation through You. The world will continue to get darker and the persecution will intensify, but through You we can survive and prevail. When the followers in Acts prayed that prayer the Holy Spirit came over them and strengthened them and many miracles followed. So Lord, that is our hope, that You will guide us and direct us. Grant us a spirit of boldness, not timidity and give us the courage to stand our ground, so that You will be glorified.
Dear Heavenly Father,
The world is turning against us, but this didn’t take you by surprise, You knew that when time began, so give us great boldness in preaching and living for You so that we can live the life that You have planned for us in fulfilling Your word.
In Jesus name,
Amen
