July 3, 2026
A model prayer of the Early Church
Read: 2 Chronicles 5, 6; Psalm 2; Acts 4:23-37
Scripture: Acts 4: 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
Observation: The Jewish rulers and elders could not punish Peter and John; they released them from jail, as they had no reasonable explanation for the miraculous healing of the lame man and the apostles’ courage. They could do nothing but threaten the apostles to instill fear among the early church believers. Undoubtedly, the Early Church would have earnestly prayed for the apostles' release. Peter and John also were keen to meet the believers and explain everything to the community of believers. When the apostles reported the words of the chief priest and the elders, the praying Church “raised their voices together in prayer to God.”
In their short and powerful prayer, they emphasized three things: First, they acknowledged the Sovereignty of the Lord God. They expressed their faith that everything was under God’s control (V.24-28). Then, they prayed for the apostles to speak the Word of God with “great boldness.” They did not ask God to rescue them from persecution or avenge the Jewish leaders for imprisoning the apostles. Lastly, they asked God to do miracles to validate the message of the apostles. Notice: they prioritized speaking God’s word boldly, not miracles. Teaching and preaching the good news come before miracles in Jesus’ order (Mt.4:23). We see an immediate answer that God gave them shortly after their prayer (Acts 4:31).
These days, we see an increasing opposition against God’s word and his people. In many ways, the world wants to stop the spread of the Gospel and the Gospel work. When the early Church raised their voice in one heart, they could see the results in the apostles’ ministry. “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” (v.33). When we pray to God to give us the boldness to speak his word, we, too, can see his marvelous works among us.
Application: My God is sovereign. So, I should be prepared to preach the Word of God, regardless of the season and my situation. I should give importance to preaching God’s word boldly, not to miracles. I should follow the example of the Lord Jesus to give preference to teaching and preaching the Gospel. I want to lift Jesus and his word. I pray together with the Church and ask God to give strength to his servants to speak HIS word with great boldness to the present generation.
Prayer: Father God, you are the Creator. All things are under your control and are done according to your will. Jesus, give me your wisdom to speak your word to the world. Holy Spirit, empower me to speak the Word of God boldly. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 184