Christ the Cornerstone Strengthens
With Jesus’ last instruction still
in their ears, the disciples go forth
speaking words of eternal life.
Visited by their resurrected Lord
and empowered by the promised
Comforter, they fearlessly follow
their marching orders in spite of
mocking, threats & physical abuse.
The advance of the gospel is soon
opposed by adversaries;but prompt
discipline & resolute commitment
only serve to enlarge the church.
Lord, we will Share the Gospel:
Peter filled with the Holy Spirit said:
Elders of Israel: This is the stone
which was rejected by you… which
has become the chief Cornerstone.
Nor is there salvation in any other,
for there is no other name..by which
we must be saved (Acts 4:8-12).
O Lord, hear their threats, and give
us Your servants great boldness
in preaching Your word. Stretch
out Your hand with healing power;
may miraculous signs and wonders
be done through the name of
Your Holy Servant Jesus (v29-30).
When they had prayed, the place
where they were assembled was
shaken; and they were all filled with
the Holy Spirit and they spoke the
word of God with boldness (v31).
Father God, free each one of us:
From Timidity that worries more
about what others will think of us;
From the Rationalization that says
it isn’t my calling or my season;
From Selfishness that doesn’t want
to invest time in other people lives.
From Indifference that affirms
truth but doesn’t act in them;
From the Busyness that dominates
our lives with non-essential things.
Replace our concerns with mindset
to point others to Christ. Amen.
Lord, I ask that You would open
the eyes of my friends and loved
ones to see Your great salvation.
Give me the discernment to see
as well as the boldness to act
on opportunities as they arise.
And I pray that words be given me
that I may open my mouth boldly
to make known the mystery of
the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Lord, You tend to give Your servants
great boldness in times of distress.
Perhaps because intensity of our
prayers increased with intensity
of circumstances.; and God gives
what we need to follow Him well.
Lord, we long for the boldness
and power of the early church.
And bless us with fruitfulness,
esp when we face hardships. Amen.