Dig Deeper - Sunday 20th September
Sermon Reflection: Courage to Pray
Acts 4:23-31
Link to service
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 20th September service -
The early church was growing, but they were also facing opposition and persecution. Peter and John had been arrested, questioned by the Sanhedrin and threatened because they were speaking about Jesus. When they returned to the other believers, they prayed together.
What is striking about their prayer is that they didn’t begin by asking God to make their situation easier. They began by remembering who God is: “Sovereign Lord, you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.” Before bringing their fears to God, they reminded themselves that He is Creator and sovereign. He is ultimately in control. This is a challenge to us all. How often do we start our prayers by telling God what we need, rather than first reminding ourselves of who He is?
The disciples then honestly brought their fears and the threats they were facing to God. They didn’t pretend that they weren’t afraid or that everything was fine. Instead of asking God to remove the opposition, they prayed for boldness and courage to continue: “Enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” This challenges us to think about how we pray when life is difficult. Do we mainly pray for God to change our circumstances, or do we also pray for the courage and strength to face them?
Sometimes God does change our circumstances, but sometimes He meets us in the circumstances and gives us what we need to continue. This is exactly what happens to the early church: “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” The early disciples’ circumstances did not get easier, but God equipped them to continue.
We can also take encouragement from Elijah, who we looked at earlier in this series. When Elijah was exhausted and afraid, God met him with grace and compassion, attending to his physical and spiritual needs before encouraging him to continue. Both stories remind us that God meets us in different ways. Sometimes courage means stepping out boldly, and sometimes courage means allowing God to restore us when we are weary.
We have the added encouragement of knowing that Jesus prays for us too. In John 17, before His arrest, Jesus prays for His disciples and for all believers. He prays for their protection, joy, unity and relationship with God. When we face opposition, uncertainty or fear, we are not alone. We have a Saviour who understands our pain, walks alongside us and has already prayed for His people.
So, what can we take away from the early church?
Prayer reminds us who God is. He is almighty and sovereign.
Prayer gives us somewhere to bring our fears. We can be honest with God because He already knows and cares.
Prayer gives us courage. We can ask God not only to change our circumstances, but to equip us to face them.
Our response to difficulty can shape our faith. As James 1 reminds us, trials can develop perseverance and help us to become mature in our faith.
Reflective questions:
What situation am I currently asking God to make easier? Could I also ask Him to give me courage and strength to face it?
How can I begin my prayers by acknowledging who God is and His sovereignty?
What fears or worries do I need to bring honestly to God today?
Where might God be asking me to step out in greater boldness?
How does knowing that Jesus prays for me change the way I approach the challenges I am facing?
Prayer:
Lord God,
Help us to remember that You are sovereign and always with us. When we are afraid or facing difficult circumstances, give us courage, strength and faith to trust You.
Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and give us boldness to follow You, knowing that we are never alone.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
