Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and 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 6:18-20
History abounds with courageous acts of men and women. Occasionally we hear of contemporaries bravely dealing with life. In our personal lives we remember the times when we were fearless and when we wished we would have been bolder. Why is it so difficult to take a stand?
One of my life verses is 2 Timothy 1:7, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. It takes knowing our Father God personally, walking with Jesus in his resurrection power, and trusting in the Holy Spirit to speak to and through us. We have to know what we believe and why we believe it. First Peter 1:15 says, But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. For me it was committing my life to Christ, going to Bible college and being baptized (an outward symbol of inward heart transformation). After all these years I am a work in progress. I’m still a student of God’s word, not just a Bible reader; I’m still choosing Jesus’ way instead of sin and relying on his Spirit.
Through this series on living bravely in a world hostile to God, saying a daily prayer could be a helpful reminder and encouragement to take a stand for God’s kingdom and walk in Jesus’ way. You can use this one, write your own, or prayerfully listen to this song: You Make Me Brave.
Dear Lord,
I come before you and ask for Your strength within me.
A strength not of the world but of Your kingdom.
To refrain from judgement and feast on love.
To push out greed and hold tight to joy.
To dispel pride and rise with humility.
To quell anger and rest in self-control.
To shun greed and rest in giving.
To turn from power and embrace service.
To let go of resentment and rest in peace.
To push through fear and walk forwards in grace.
To run with faith, soar with forgiveness,
And allow your eternal strength to abide with me.
Amen. (a contemporary prayer for strength from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
By Donna Burns
