To continue to speak your word with all boldness.

Acts 4:27-31, ...for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

These early believers did not shrink back from the threats of those who crucified Jesus, but prayed instead for boldness. An amazing miracle had been done in proclaiming Jesus’ name and many were amazed by the healing of a man crippled over forty years. And we see clearly that the power that transformed them is that of the Holy Spirit. Peter went from fear of a servant girl to boldness before the very council that condemned Jesus to death on the cross! And they recognize the amazing plan of God at work and give their full assent to it no matter what happens to them.

Anoint us with your Holy Spirit that we may proclaim your name with the same boldness, O Lord!

ESV Lectionary