Day 21 — The Church Prays for Boldness (Acts 4:23-31) | May 16

Released from the council's threats, Peter and John return to the church and report everything. The church's response is prayer, together, corporate, powerful. They start with God's sovereignty, reminding themselves who's actually in charge, then quote Psalm 2 about kings raging against the Lord and his Messiah. The opposition isn't new or surprising; even the crucifixion fulfilled God's predetermined plan. But notice what they don't pray for: they don't ask God to remove the threats or make life comfortable. Instead, they pray for more boldness to keep speaking God's word, and for signs and wonders to continue validating the message. God answers immediately, the place shakes, they're filled with the Holy Spirit, and they speak boldly. Courage is contagious. When brave people take a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.