17 April 2023
And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:23-31, NRSV
When John and Peter were placed on trial following the healing of the lame man at the temple, they were warned not to speak any more in the name of Jesus. It would have been understandable if they had decided to “lie low” for a while after being threatened by the highest civil authority but instead they went to meet with their friends to speak and pray about what had happened. They did not pray for protection for themselves but for boldness to continue to preach in the name of Jesus regardless of the persecution they would surely face. It would seem that they received an immediate answer to their prayer in the dramatic action of the Holy Spirit coming to give them strength and reassurance.
- Why do you think Peter and John went immediately to be with their community after their release?
- What is your experience of the prayerful support that a community can give?
Pray today for those who suffer ridicule or threat for speaking in the name of Jesus.
