Prayer for Boldness

When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 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, 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? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed'— 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, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 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. Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. - Acts 4:23‭-‬37 ESV

Rev. Dan Whang

We often think of blessing as getting good grades, finding a close parking spot, or having our sports team go on a winning streak. But the early church saw blessing as the expansion of the kingdom. And they only experienced this through prayer.

Prayer is Connected to the church

The apostles were threatened for speaking of Jesus. Peter and John were told not to speak of Jesus. After they were released, they went to their friends. This circle of friends were there to encourage and help them on their mission. So immediately after hearing of the circumstances, they started to pray. This is the church. No hesitation. Is that how we react to trouble and discouragement?

Persecution unifies the members of a church. Trials and trouble should bring forth a response of prayer. Sometimes, we just need to open up and let people know about our struggles.

Prayer is Shaped by the scriptures

Their prayers were informed by Scripture. They saw God as sovereign and powerful. This was more than just meditation and a quiet length of time. God is the maker of heaven and Earth.

Prayer is Driven by missions

The apostles were focused on the mission. There is no request for protection. They ask for boldness. The focus is on God and the kingdom rather than themselves. They endured jail, beatings, and all sorts of trouble for the kingdom of God. How do we pray through trials and difficulties? Do we ask for strength or the removal of the troubles?