Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Acts 4:23-31 (ESV)
The Believers Pray for Boldness
23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples’ plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
How are your prayers in a crisis like and unlike this one?
Master, You created heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. You conquered death by Your resurrection and sent Your Holy Spirit to dwell in us. You are mighty to save! You have the power to heal and restore. Lord, You are in control. Why then am I intimidated by the evil threats of those who disobey You? I want to follow You and be obedient to Your Word. I want others to know of Your great love and mercy. But I am meek and quiet. Forgive me. Instead of fear, I pray for boldness and courage to speak up for what You have done for all people. Peter and John were bold when they prayed in the midst of threats made to them. They prayed in confidence that the Holy Spirit would give them the power they needed to do Your work. I pray that You empower me with Your power so that I can be Your hands and feet and to communicate Your loving heart to a hurting world. Make me brave enough to speak your message. Give me the confidence to trust You that through You I can do anything. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to work miracles through me so that as I proclaim Your love, through my words and actions, others come to know You as Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus. Amen