The Believer's Prayer

Have you ever experienced opposition or persecution as a follower of Jesus?

Acts 4:23-31

There is power in the name of Jesus.

For many Christians around the world this is a daily reality. There’s something about the name of Jesus which people find threatening. For us, as believers, we know it’s because there is power in the name of Jesus.

Jesus’ disciples also experienced persecution for the faith. Their preaching, signs, wonders and healings done in Jesus’ name were a threat to the religious authorities and their preferred narrative. They had hoped that by crucifying Jesus, His following would die out quickly but instead the disciples became bolder in their witness for Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit.

The religious authorities even tried threatening the disciples to no longer speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But rather than be deterred, the believers instead gathered and immediately started praying for continued boldness to share the Gospel and for healing, signs and wonders in Jesus’ name to accompany their witness. And God visibly and immediately answered ‘yes’ to their prayer by shaking the room and filling them afresh with the Holy Spirit.

There is power in the name of Jesus. Why? Because,

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).

Just as the believers prayed corporately, let us too pray for boldness in our witness, despite opposition, and for signs, wonders and supernatural healings to accompany this witness. And may God continue to add to our number daily those who are being saved (cf. Acts 2:47).

In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

Gwenda