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.
'For Our Good' (Ro. 8:28-34)
"Dear Father, who is totally "for-us," How wonderfully reassuring to know that in everything you work for good with those who love you, who are called..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'With All My Heart' (Ps. 111:1)
"Praise the Lord! I will thank the Lord with all my heart as I meet with his godly people."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Family Time' (Jn. 2:12)
"After the wedding [Jesus] went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Soon!' (Ac. 1:5)
"[Jesus said,] "John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And soon.""

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!