A Prayer For Courage

All the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them . . . Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will. And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Acts 4:24, 27-30

Before his ascension into heaven, Jesus told his followers: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere” (Acts 1:8). On the day of Pentecost, they did receive that power, but they still faced opposition—such as threats from the Jewish council against preaching the Good News. So the believers met together to pray. Their prayer is instructive. They didn’t ask for the destruction of opposition but rather for boldness, and for God to demonstrate his power through them. They reported to God the threats they had received and reminded themselves of the way religious leaders had opposed Jesus, their Savior.

Today, ask Jesus to give you the courage and power to proclaim the Good News to those around you.

• Dear Lord, grant me great boldness in my witness for you . . .