[The disciples praying after Peter and John were released from jail:] "Now, Lord, ... enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
The early followers of Jesus were facing harsh opposition from the very folks who had Jesus crucified. Rather than complaining about or fearing this opposition, the believers confessed the greatness of God and asked for the strength to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus. In response to their prayer, the place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were all empowered by the Spirit to speak the word of God with boldness. Shouldn't this also be our prayer in a culture that is growing more and more hostile to God? Why not pray for the power of the Holy Spirit so you can boldly proclaim Jesus, treating people with gentleness and respect (cf.
1 Peter 3:15).
Father God, I cannot begin to thank you enough for the incredible gift of your Son, Jesus. I recognize that Jesus died for my sins and I believe he was raised to give me a right relationship with you. I trust he will return in glory to bring me home to you. Until that day, please empower me with boldness and sensitivity from the Holy Spirit, so that I can effectively and fearlessly share Jesus with those who are my friends and family as well as others you bring into my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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