In Acts Chapter 3, Peter and John were going up to the temple complex to pray. They encountered a lame man who begged for money at that location every day. Instead of money, Peter and John told him to get up and walk in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, which is exactly what he did. [3:6-9]
Not only did he walk, but this former lame man also began to leap and shout and praise. That brought the attention of those around him and gave Peter and John an opportunity to give a salvation message.
That also brought some unwanted attention from the Jewish rulers, the same ones that had orchestrated the death of Jesus. They arrested Peter and John, and after commanding them to not speak again about Christ Jesus released them. Peter and John reported all this to the brethren with great joy. Then they prayed, and it is a prayer that we might think about praying along with them.
“And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” [Acts 4:29 HCSB]
Is not that the best prayer! Peter and John asked God to take note of the opposition aimed at them and give them complete boldness to respond. They also asked God to grant healing, signs and wonders in the name of Jesus.
Healing, signs, and wonders are a wonderful prelude to the preaching of truth. People take note of such things. When people see a lame man leaping and shouting and praising, they want to know how it happened, and that opens the door to preach salvation in the Name of Jesus.
God answered the other part of their prayer too – that part for complete boldness no matter the strength of the opposition. “When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.” [Acts 4:30-31 HCSB]
Maybe this should be the prayer for our generation … LORD, give us complete boldness, and grant healing, signs, and wonders that generate opportunities to speak salvation in the name of Jesus. Amen and Amen!
