Unstoppable! 'Paul's Prayer for His Captors' — Acts 26:29

Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Paul replied [to King Agrippa's skepticism about becoming a Christian by saying], "Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."

— Acts 26:29 NLT

Key Thought

Paul was convinced that both his short-term future and his eternal future were securely in the hands of Jesus. Because of this faith, Paul - a prisoner facing a potential death sentence - could pray for his rich, powerful, and influential captors to become like him, except for his difficult circumstances. These words were Paul's bold invitation for King Agrippa and the Roman governor, Festus, and the others present to believe and become followers of Jesus. Let's pray for each other to have such bold confidence!

Today's Prayer

Dear Father, as your children, may we have a bold faith like Paul's. Help us when our faith wavers because of our circumstances. May we be strong in our trust, whether times are great or hard. Thank you for giving us reasons to believe and such a glorious hope in our future because of Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Powerful Testimony
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, I gave My life to bring God's grace to you. As My disciple, I ask you to share My story of grace in your life with others. In the..."

Illustration

Illustration of Acts 26:29 NLT — Paul replied [to King Agrippa's skepticism about becoming a Christian by saying], "Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that both you and everyone here in this audience might become the same as I am, except for these chains."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Christ, Our Measuring Stick' (2 Co. 10:7-14)
"Dear Father, source of our joy and our pride, Sometimes we are blind. We don't see what is right before our eyes. Help us to look that we may see,..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'A Good City Is Good for You' (Je. 29:7)
"Also do good things for the city where I sent you as captives. Pray to the Lord for the city where you are living, because if good things happen in..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Bottom Line!' (Ac. 19:1-2)
"While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Risk-taking & Faith-filled'
"Dear Beloved, What is the greatest obstacle that you face? What seemingly insurmountable forces are at work against you? Keep these two questions....."

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Unstoppable!