“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.” [acts 4:29-30]
preaching the gospel takes boldness.
the apostles had seen the risen Jesus. these men were fully convinced that Jesus was the son of God. yet in their flesh, they need empowerment from the Holy Spirit to walk faithfully, and they know it. so, rather than just deciding to pull up their boot straps and be “more bold”, they go to the Lord and ask.
i think the Lord is teaching us how he desires to be in relationship with us through the apostles prayer. rather than asking the Lord to remove threats and persecution, they ask the Lord for boldness to continue to speak the gospel in the face of danger. we have the opportunity to go forth into the world walking in step with God, rather than going on our own on his behalf.
God, look upon the fear and persecution of this world, and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness. help us to walk with you, and in the face of the world, may our hearts echo david in psalm 32:
7 you are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
~ john sandman