Prayer for Opportunity and Boldness

Throughout his letters, the apostle Paul consistently asks fellow believers to pray for two things regarding his evangelism: opportunity and boldness. “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” (Ephesians 6:19, NIV).

He knew that while God orchestrates divine moments, our fear can stop us from stepping into them. Despite being one of the most effective witnesses for Jesus in history, Paul recognized his dependence on God to give him courage to choose to embrace those opportunities.

Read through the prayer requests from Paul that are listed today, and notice the common themes that emerge.

These consistent requests show that even for seasoned believers, sharing the gospel requires divine assistance. We need God to create divine appointments and open doors where people are receptive to spiritual conversations. And when those opportunities arise, we need boldness to overcome our natural hesitation to speak the truth in love.

Boldness is not about personality. It doesn’t mean being loud or introverts having to become weirdly extroverted! Biblical boldness means being willing to say yes when God prompts us. It means trusting that the Holy Spirit will give us the words and the grace that we need.

Sometimes we hesitate to share our faith because we feel unqualified or unsure. But boldness isn’t about self-confidence, but about God-confidence. It’s trusting that He’s with us, that He loves the person in front of us more than we do, and that He can work through even our imperfect skills.

God doesn't usually remove our feelings of nervousness or inadequacy. Rather, He gives us the courage to speak despite those feelings. We need to keep focused on Jesus, as faith in Him will always prove to be greater than our fears!

Your Next Steps

1. When was the last time you recognized a God-given opportunity to share your faith? Did you take it? Why or why not?
2. What typically holds you back from speaking boldly about Jesus when opportunities arise? Try to be as specific as possible, so that you can quickly identify the fear-barrier in the future.
3. For your three people, what would you say or do if fear in no way inhibited your witness to them?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I ask that You will open doors for Your message in the lives of [name your three people]. Create divine appointments and receptive moments. And when those opportunities come, please grant me boldness to speak about Jesus clearly and lovingly. Help me to overcome my fear, hesitation, and sense of inadequacy. May the sharing of my faith become effective, and may Your word speed ahead and be honored. In Jesus' name, Amen.