7 Days of Breakthrough PrayerSample

Pray That I Speak Fearlessly

“No learning can make up for the failure to pray. No earnestness, no diligence, no study, no gifts will supply its lack.” —E. M. Bounds

Paul was a firebrand leader in the early church. He faced angry mobs of Jewish leaders and idol worshipers while proclaiming the gospel message of Jesus Christ. His letters to the churches throughout the Middle East have provided many foundational teachings for the church. Yet, in Ephesians 6:18-20, Paul asked his brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for him. Why? 

The apostle Paul had studied for years, yet he knew that he could never accomplish God’s call on his life in his own wisdom. As E. M. Bounds said, nothing can make up for a lack of prayer, not even years of study and the natural gifts that Paul had been given. The apostle knew he had to rely on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance to complete his task. Paul needed the encouragement of his brothers and sisters lifting him up in prayer before the God of heaven. 

Paul asked the church to pray specifically that he would “fearlessly” declare the message of salvation in Jesus Christ in every situation. “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (verse 19). Did that mean that Paul was afraid? That he was not up to the task? I believe it meant that Paul was human—just as every leader in the church today is human—and that he needed the fervent prayers of fellow believers to lift him up and encourage him in his calling. Jesus Himself, the Son of God, asked Peter, James, and John to pray with Him in the garden of Gethsemane that He would have the strength to complete God’s plan of redemption.

Just like in Paul’s case, only God can supply us with the strength we need to serve Him. Many times, with good intentions, those in ministry (lay leaders included) allow themselves to get drained to the point of total exhaustion, so that the ministry seems like too much for them to continue. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God promises to renew our strength like the eagle (see Isaiah 40:31), but sometimes, that just seems too good to be true or too far out of reach. That is why we have a heart for these twenty-one days of corporate intercession; we feel called by God to walk through this time of prayer renewal for pastors, leaders, and the body of Christ, that His power may move through everyone who has joined us on the journey of praying together.

God is doing something mighty in His people in the church today, and the opposition to God’s work will only get stronger. So will God’s holy presence, as we seek Him in prayer and confess His holiness and His power upon our families and the ministry staff of our churches, who serve Him on our behalf.

Please join us in the prayer of agreement today as God moves in strength and power in our midst.