Pray for Boldness

“Before We Speak, We Pray: Asking God for Boldness to Share Jesus”

Introduction

A new church year is a fresh start. Often at the start of the year, we talk about plans: evangelistic events, courses, services, guest Sundays. And all of those are good.

But today, I want to step back and ask a deeper question: Before we do anything — before we run courses, before we open our mouths to speak of Jesus — what should we do first?

Because if we’re honest, most of us find evangelism hard. We know we should speak of Jesus, but fear holds us back: fear of awkwardness, of rejection, of failure.

So what does God’s Word say to people like us — people who want to be faithful, but often feel afraid? This morning, we’ll see that the Bible doesn’t first say: “Go and do it!” Instead, it teaches us to pray:

“Lord, give us boldness to speak your word.”

We’re going to trace that theme across Scripture. And my prayer is that we’ll start this year not with more guilt or pressure, but with prayerful dependence on God to make us bold.

1. We’re all called to speak of Jesus — and that can feel scary

(Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:6–8; Psalm 27)

Let’s begin with the call. In Acts 1:8, the risen Lord Jesus says to His disciples:

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

To be a Christian is to be a witness — someone who speaks of what Christ has done. This isn’t just for the apostles, or for pastors, or for the naturally confident. Jesus says to all His followers: “You will be my witnesses.”

But Jesus also knows this calling is daunting. And the Bible is refreshingly honest about that.

Think of Timothy, Paul’s younger co-worker. In 2 Timothy 1:6–8, Paul writes:

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God… For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…”

Why would Paul write this unless Timothy was tempted to be timid? Even a faithful gospel worker can struggle with fear.

Or take Psalm 27, where David prays:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? …Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear.”

Notice: David has to tell himself not to fear, because fear is real.

Honest application:

Evangelism is scary. We might fear rejection, looking foolish, losing relationships, or just the awkwardness of it all. And the Bible acknowledges that fear — it doesn’t pretend it isn’t there.

2. The Bible doesn’t first say: “Just do it!” — it shows us to pray first

(Acts 4:23–31; Ephesians 6:18–20; Colossians 4:2–4)

What’s striking is how Scripture responds to this fear.

Turn with me to Acts 4:23–31. Peter and John have just been threatened by the religious authorities: “Don’t speak in this name anymore.” They return to the church, and together they pray.

Listen to what they pray (v.29):

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”

They don’t pray first for safety, or comfort, or even for the threats to go away. They pray: “Lord, make us bold to keep speaking.”

And notice: this prayer comes before the bold speaking. Prayer isn’t the optional extra; it’s the starting point.

In Ephesians 6:18–20, Paul writes:

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions… 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…”

Even Paul — the apostle who was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, and kept going — still asks for prayer to speak fearlessly.

And again in Colossians 4:2–4:

“Devote yourselves to prayer… And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message… Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

Paul doesn’t presume he’ll be bold; he knows he needs prayer.

Key insight:

The Bible doesn’t say: “Just be bold.” It shows us: start by praying for boldness.

Before we speak to people about Jesus, we speak to God about people — and about our own hearts.

3. Boldness isn’t about personality or willpower — it’s God’s gift through His Spirit

(Acts 4:31; 2 Timothy 1:6–8; Joshua 1:9)

Let’s see what happens next in Acts 4. Verse 31:

“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

Boldness came after prayer, as God’s gracious answer.

Notice: it’s the Spirit who gives boldness.

Paul reminds Timothy (2 Tim 1:7):

“God gave us a Spirit not of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline.”

And back in the Old Testament, when Joshua is about to lead Israel into the Promised Land — a daunting task — God says (Joshua 1:9):

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The source of courage isn’t self-confidence, but God’s presence.

Application:

Boldness doesn’t come by trying harder, hyping ourselves up, or becoming extroverts. It comes by asking God to fill us with His Spirit — to do what we cannot do ourselves.

4. Why pray for boldness? Because of God’s sovereign plan and unstoppable gospel

(Psalm 2; Acts 4:25–28)

But why should we have confidence to pray for boldness? Because the gospel itself is unstoppable.

Back in Acts 4, notice how the believers pray before asking for boldness. Verses 24–28: They begin by recognising God as Creator and Sovereign Lord. Then they quote Psalm 2:

“Why do the nations rage… against the Lord and against his Anointed One?”

They see that human opposition to Christ was foretold. And even the greatest evil — the crucifixion — was within God’s plan:

“They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.”

Key insight:

God’s mission doesn’t depend on our strength. His gospel cannot be stopped by opposition. That truth fuels confident prayer.

5. So this year, let’s start not with strategy, but on our knees

It’s tempting to rush to plans, events, and courses. Those matter. But the Bible shows us that before speaking, before strategy, before action — God’s people pray.

We admit our fears honestly. We confess that without Him, we won’t speak at all. And we ask:

“Lord, enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”

That’s the first step. And it’s the most important step.

Practical next steps:

Start each day praying:“Lord, give me boldness to speak of Jesus today — even when it’s awkward or costly.”

As a church, gather to pray specifically for boldness — not just for people to come, but for courage to invite them and speak to them.

Pray for one another by name, as Paul asked the Ephesians and Colossians to do.

✝ Gospel encouragement:

Why can we do this? Because Jesus Himself faced ultimate hostility, and did not shrink back. In Gethsemane, He prayed, and then went boldly to the cross for us.

We now speak of Him who died and rose — and He has given us His Spirit.

We don’t speak alone.

Conclusion:

At the start of this church year, let’s not say: “We must be brave!”

Instead, let’s say together:

“Lord, we are weak and afraid. But you are strong. Fill us with your Spirit. Make us bold, gentle, and faithful witnesses of Jesus, wherever you place us this year.”

Closing prayer:

“Sovereign Lord, you know our fears. Thank you that your gospel is unstoppable. By your Spirit, enable us to speak your word with great boldness. For the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

🎵 Suggested songs to follow:

Spirit of the Living God (as a prayer)

Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me (acknowledging our weakness)

O Church, Arise (sending us out in faith)