Bible Reading: Acts 4v23-31

Peter and John are released with further threats by the Sanhedrin.  And they go back to the early church and report back everything that has happened and what was said.  The same convictions that shape their response now shape their prayers. I wonder in that situation what we’d be tempted to pray for?  Maybe an end to opposition, peace, safety.  But not the early church.

They praise God for his sovereignty, in v24-28, even over opposition.  They know that God works all things to spread the good news about Jesus. They recognise the reality of opposition and pray for God to enable them by his Spirit to work wonders and witness to Jesus as they speak boldly about him because salvation is found in him alone.  Their convictions are reflected in their prayers.  And they pray that God would enable them to boldly speak.

And God answers in v31 miraculously, the building is shaken - a sign of God's presence, they are filled afresh with the Spirit, and they preach Jesus boldly.   These believers aren’t bold because that’s their character type they’re bold because they know God; Father, Son and Spirit and they trust his promise and pray for his empowering.

Opposition and threats shouldn't make us go into our shells, it should make us pray.  Praying prayers that reflect our convictions.  We need today to be praying this prayer.