Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ‘
(Acts 4:29-30)
Over the last two days, we have observed that the disciples’ prayer began with worship, and had its roots in the word of God. Finally, the disciples prayed with remarkable specificity. They did not offer vague or generalised prayers but instead presented their petitions to God with clarity and focus.
Firstly, the disciples prayed for boldness to speak the word of God in the face of opposition. They recognized the challenges and obstacles they faced in proclaiming the gospel but instead of asking for those challenges to be removed, they asked for boldness to face them head-on. They understood that boldness was essential for effective ministry and fervently prayed for it.
Secondly, the disciples prayed for miracles, signs, and wonders to accompany their preaching of the gospel. They desired to see God’s power displayed in supernatural ways, validating the message they proclaimed and drawing people to faith. Their specific request for miracles demonstrates their unwavering faith in God’s ability to work miraculously.
God answered their prayers in a profound way. The place where they were praying was shaken, symbolising God’s response to their request for miracles. Additionally, they were filled with boldness, enabling them to continue preaching the word of God with courage and conviction.
This account challenges us to pray with similar specificity. When we bring our requests before God, we should be clear and specific about what we are asking for. Specific prayers allow us to recognize and celebrate when God answers them, building our faith and trust in His faithfulness.
Praying with specificity also demonstrates our faith and dependence on God. It shows that we believe He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20) and that He delights in answering the prayers of His children.
As we follow the example of the disciples and pray with specificity, let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers and delights in granting the desires of our hearts according to His will.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of prayer and for the example of the disciples who prayed with boldness and specificity. Teach me to pray according to your will, presenting my requests to you with clarity and focus. Grant me boldness to speak your word and faith to believe for miracles, signs, and wonders in my life and ministry.
