“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.” – Acts 4:29
This was a world-changing prayer for the early church! In the face of rising opposition to the preaching of the Gospel, the church didn’t pray for peace, comfort, protection, or safety. The church prayed for boldness. Boldness to preach God’s Word. For a willingness to speak freely of God’s wrath and mercy, His justice and kindness, His holiness and grace.
God honored this prayer. The following chapters of Acts describe what happens when God answers their prayer for boldness. The world didn’t become less hostile, but the Kingdom of God grew and spread because believers had boldness greater than any fear that might have held them back. Ordinary Christians, filled with God’s Holy Spirit, did extraordinary things, speaking daily of the hope they had in Christ.
The church today needs to seriously pray for boldness. Not for protection, safety, or comfort. Not for harshness either. For boldness. For loving, gentle courage to proclaim Christ and Him crucified. God will absolutely answer this prayer, if we would have the courage and faithfulness to pray it. As opposition to the preaching of God’s Word of hope, conviction, self-denial, and total submission to Christ’s Lordship grows, will followers of Jesus once again have the courage to pray for boldness?
Father God, grant to us, your servants, to speak your word with all boldness!!!