BIG, Bold Prayers
“I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” —1 Corinthians 2:2
We have to keep the main thing, the
From the beginning the idea of church centered around the
and NOT a place to worship.
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about
were added to their number that day.” —Acts 2:41
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” —Acts 2:42
“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple
—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and the man’s feet and ankles became . He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with and at what had happened to him.” —Acts 3:1-10
“The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.” Acts 4:1-3
“by what power or name did you do this?” Acts 4:7
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled,
From the
, Christianity was a movement of ordinary people.
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves” —Matthew 10:16
“But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” —Matthew 10:19-20
Christianity is about
, saying yes and following his lead
it takes you
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” —Ephesians 4:11
“After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.” —Acts 4:21
“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.” —Acts 4:23
“Now, Lord,
and your servants to speak your word with . Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” —Acts 4:29-20
The vast majority of our prayer life centers around our own
,
and
.
Question:
If God answered
Concern:
Self-focused prayers make us
“
, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and .” —Acts 4:31
Bold prayers, help us to become outward minded.
Question:
Have you ever prayed for Holy Boldness?
The
This Week’s Challenge:
Pray for God to give you boldness!