Dear Heavenly Father,
I approach your throne with a heart full of gratitude, acknowledging your sovereign control over all things. As I meditate on Acts chapter 7, the faithfulness displayed in Stephen’s life resonates deeply within me.
Lord, I stand in awe of the courage you granted Stephen, even in the face of extreme suffering. I confess my own fears and limitations, especially in sharing your truth boldly. Please infuse me with the kind of courage Stephen exhibited, a courage grounded in unwavering faith.
For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Luke 9:26 (ESV)
In the everyday interactions with family, friends, and neighbors, I often find it challenging to articulate my faith. Despite the ease within the church and on my blog, I struggle in everyday situations. Help me, Lord, to overcome this reluctance, understanding the importance of Luke 9:26 and Galatians 6:14. May pride in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ saturate my soul.
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 6:14a (ESV)
I pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. May your Spirit be my constant companion, teaching me in the very hour of need what I ought to say, as promised in Luke 8:12. Grant me discernment and wisdom in all interactions, especially with those who may not fully grasp your truth.
For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.
Luke 8:12 (ESV)
Father, help me honor you in every aspect of my life. I surrender my fears and weaknesses, seeking your strength to extend truth, love, and grace to all your children. Like Stephen, fill me with the Holy Spirit, enabling me to speak with boldness and clarity.
I pray for a world where more Christians exhibit the characteristics of faith displayed by Stephen. What would be the impact on the world if believers everywhere embraced such bold and unwavering faith?
In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on a recent situation where you felt hesitant or fearful in sharing your faith. How might the courage displayed by Stephen inspire you to approach such situations differently in the future?
- Identify specific areas in your life where articulating your faith becomes challenging, especially in everyday interactions. How can you actively work towards overcoming these struggles, drawing strength from Stephen’s courage?
- Consider the verses Luke 9:26 and Galatians 6:14 mentioned in the prayer. How do these scriptures impact your perspective on openly expressing your faith? How can pride in the cross of Jesus Christ become a foundational aspect of your identity?
- Reflect on a recent conversation where you wished for guidance in expressing your faith. How might the promise from Luke 8:12, that the Holy Spirit will teach you in the hour of need, influence your reliance on divine guidance in future interactions?
- Envision a world where believers exhibit the bold and unwavering faith displayed by Stephen. How do you think such a collective faith would impact communities, nations, and the world at large? Consider practical steps to contribute to this vision.
Respond
Please pray a prayer about sharing your faith with boldness. If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
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English Standard Version (ESV): Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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