Praying for boldness

The Believers Pray for Boldness

Acts 4:29-31 “Now, Lord, consider their threats and 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. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Recommended Reading: The Pursuit of God

Spiritual Warfare Prayer for Boldness

Today, Oh loving Father, we will step out in faith and not fear. We will boldly profess the victory in our lives. We will not let shyness get the better of us. Break every chain, Oh Lord, that hinders our confidence, in not only ourselves but also in You, the Everlasting Father.

Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

Acts 4:29 “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence.”

Proclaiming boldness

Today, we proclaim with boldness that we are healed and set free by You, our faithful King. We know we can depend on You, for You always stand by Your word. Help us to build our confidence as we draw near to You. Teach us to spread Your message boldly across the land and to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Today, I proclaim with boldness that we are healed and set free by You, our faithful King. Click To Tweet

Hebrews 13:6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”

Remove Fear

Allow the fear to just drift away and let the doubt flee. Restore our bravery to stand in front of crowds and minister to Your people, if it be Your will. Restore hope and love and peace in our land today. In Jesus’ loving name, we pray that the boldness that we long to have will arise. Amen and Amen.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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“ also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”

– Ephesians 6:19–20

As an apostle, Paul may have been tempted more than other Christians to believe he could go it alone, that just he and Jesus together were enough to get the job done. In one sense, this would have been true. Jesus is the friend “who sticks closer than a brother” (Prov. 18:24). Even if all others desert us, Christ never leaves us or forsakes us, sustaining us by His Spirit in the most difficult circumstances (Heb. 13:5–6). Yet in another sense, we do not face the world with only Jesus beside us. The circumstances in which absolutely everyone might abandon us are few and far between, and God has redeemed us in union with other believers (Eph. 2:11–22). For all the church’s faults, we often do a good job of sticking together, supporting one another as we walk under the shadow of death in service to our King.

Having just finished an epistle on the nature of the church, Paul was well aware of this fact and humble enough to request prayer for himself while he was in prison. He asks for intercession in today’s passage, specifically exhorting the Ephesians to pray for his boldness in proclaiming the “mystery of the gospel” (Eph. 6:19–20). This gospel was the reason for his chains, and if, as is likely, Paul wrote Ephesians sometime during the imprisonment recorded in Acts 28:11–31, his specific requests are understandable. After all, the apostle to the Gentiles was about to go before the most powerful man on earth in his day — the caesar. Due to the intimidating pomp of the Roman court, it would have been tempting even for him to avoid speaking the truth boldly. Paul, never a foolish man, needed all the spiritual help he could get in fulfilling the call to preach to the emperor. He needed others praying with him that he might wear the armor of God (Eph. 6:10–20).

Finally, the apostle’s reference to himself as an “ambassador in chains” indicates the radical difference between the kingdom of heaven and the kingdoms of this world. None of Paul’s pagan contemporaries would have referred to themselves in this way, for to imprison an ambassador from another nation would have embarrassed the ambassador, the sender, and the country hosting the diplomat. But Christ, who humbled Himself for our sakes (Phil. 2:5–11), sends lowly ambassadors on His behalf — ambassadors who may have to suffer greatly to announce His reign.

Coram Deo

Again we note that, just as in Colossians, Paul does not request in today’s passage to be released from prison but for more ministry opportunities (Col. 4:3–4). This is a model for us. It is, of course, not wrong to ask the Lord to alleviate our suffering. Nevertheless, perhaps the first thing we pray for should not be the end of our pain, especially if it is for the sake of the gospel. Perhaps we should first pray for God to use our suffering for His glory.

Passages for Further Study

Esther 4
Matthew 26:36–46

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There are many great prayers in the Bible that can be read and studied to help you know how to pray for strength. Though one of the stories mentioned below doesn’t contain the text of the prayer the Bible says that they prayed and God heard them.

Do you find yourself in need of courage for situations that come up in your life? Praying and asking God for courage is the first place you should turn.

Read through these ten prayers for courage and let us know in the comments your favorite.

Praying and asking God for courage is the first place you should turn.

Jacob When Meeting Esau – Genesis 32

When Jacob was returning to meet Esau after running away several years earlier, he was more than a little scared. He had tricked Esau and fled for his life. As he returned he heard that Esau was looking for him with 400 men at his side. Jacob prayed to God for courage.

Genesis 32:9-12 “And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.”

Hezekiah’s Prayer – 2 Kings 19

A group of kings was preparing to do battle with King Hezekiah and the Israelites. They were kings who had wiped out whole nations. When Hezekiah received the message that Israel was to be invaded, he prayed the following courage prayer.

2 Kings 19:15-19 “And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God. Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.”

Gideon – Judges 6

Gideon was chosen by God to lead a small army to defeat the Midianites. Through a series of prayers by Gideon and proofs by God, Gideon gained the courage he needed to lead the men.

Here is one exchange between Gideon and the messenger of God. Gideon said he was not brave enough to do the job, but he trusted in the God who promised to lead Israel.

Judges 6:13-16 “And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.

And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.”

Asa Prayed for Victory – 2 Chronicles 14

After the 12 tribes of Israel were divided into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms (Israel and Judah respectively), there came a king in the south named Asa. He was a descendant of David and Solomon. An Ethiopian ruler by the name of Zerah came to fight against God’s people. Asa asked God for courage and for a victory in the battle.

2 Chronicles 14:11 “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee.”

Prayers For Courage From the Psalms

Psalm23
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

Psalm 27
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Psalm 31
“In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.
Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.
Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

Micah’s Prayer – Micah 7

Part of Micah’s prophecy (which was to warn the nation of Israel of coming judgment) was a prayer to God asking for protection and courage to face the enemy.

Micah 7:7, 8 “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.”

Peter’s Prayer for Boldness – Acts 4

When Peter and the other disciples were on trial in Acts 4 they boldly proclaimed the Gospel. At the end of his sermon, Peter still prayed for courage and boldness to continue to preach God’s Word. When they finished praying the Bible says that the place was shaken and the Holy Ghost came upon them with power and they were able to boldly preach as they had prayed.

Acts 4:29-31 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

The Serenity Prayer

A well-known prayer called the Serenity Prayer talks about having courage to make wise choices and act upon them.

God grant me the serenity

To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference.

Were these prayers for courage helpful? If so, you might also enjoy reading this one:

 20 Bible Verses About Courage

Resources:

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

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Tagged as: Prayers for Courage, Serenity Prayer

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Acts 4:23-31 Shows us our need to pray for boldness. Jesus surrendered His will to the will of His Father. In response to Jesus’ prayer of faithfulness, an angel from Heaven appears and strengthens Him.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. He died, giving His life as the ultimate sacrifice so that we could be cleaned from our sins and forgiven. He paid with His own life, to save ours from Hell and an eternity of damnation. God did not allow sin to permanently ruin our relationship with Him. God came to earth – as Jesus Christ – to redeem us from our slavery. Our compulsion of evil, wicked and sinful behavior had to be made right. And praying in fear and anguish moments away from His sacrifice and suffering on the cross for our sins, Jesus was empowered and given strength from Heaven in His prayer. “He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet NOT my will, but YOURS be done.’ 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.”In following His footsteps and mirroring the model of His leadership, we also ought to pray for boldness to do GOD’s will. This is the natural response of those who believe in GOD, in His love and His will to save people from a death leading to Hell. 2 Peter 3:9 says,”The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” God’s heart is to see the world freed from the slavery of sin and brought to salvation and forgiveness in Him. His love made the way and we are called to share this message and TRUTH to every person in all of the earth. Luke 24:46-48 reads, “…and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.” The apostles understood how great and important this message was. They knew that all the earth needed to know the Truth about Jesus Christ and His successful mission to rescue us from the death and destruction of our sin and evil wrong-doing. That is why they were willing to face their fellow country-men, endure being ridiculed and even be murdered for their beliefs. When standing in court and facing the same men that had just recently been directly involved in Jesus being murdered on a cross, the Apostles boldly echoed something very similar to what Jesus prayed in the garden of gethsemane before facing the cross: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”. In other words, not our will but God’s will be done!After being threatened for sharing the Truth about Jesus and how He had saved humanity through His painful death on the cross, the apostles DID NOT pray for their personal safety and well-being. Instead they prayed for BOLDNESS. 

Acts 4:29-30 shows their prayer:”And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. (30) Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”PRAY FOR BOLDNESS, that we would do right, honor God, live for Him and share this amazing truth about Jesus Christ and how He has saved us! We are free from the death penalty that would have been the judgement we deserved for our sins and evil wrong-doing. But praise be to God that He chose to save us through the life, death and resurrection of His son JESUS instead! Pray that we would be so overwhelmed and full of His Holy Spirit that we be living lights, shining His glory on earth and speaking the truth about Jesus Christ so that all humankind might be saved!Acts 4:31 “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.”

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