Key Scripture

“So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”

— Acts 5:41-42

 In the face of great persecution, those who proclaimed Christ as their Savior somehow bonded together with great love and compassion.

They prayed earnestly for the disciples and apostles. As a result, these men were endowed with a fervor that came from heaven itself: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Likewise, the apostle Paul asked believers to be strong in the power of God’s might:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20)

The apostle was pleading for them to agree in prayer that he could speak God’s Word with conviction and power. Moreover, Paul and the other leaders were willing to put their lives on the line for the cause of Jesus Christ.

Agreement gives boldness to ministry.

 

A Prayer for Today

Precious Father, too often I see the consequences of disruption and division all around me. I come to You with a broken heart to ask that You bring harmony and peace to the body of Christ. I pray for wisdom. I pray patience as we work together for Your kingdom. Beginning with me, teach us to stand firmly upon Your promises. Help us to endure in one accord so we can reap the harvests that You already have planned for us. I rejoice in Your holiness and provision. Thank You, Father, for Your divine intervention in every area of life. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are KJV unless otherwise noted.