April 11, 2026

PRAY THAT I AM MORE BOLD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan... I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador.”

Ephesians 6:19-20 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

After teaching us how to dress for battle, Paul makes a personal request. It is one of the most convicting passages in the New Testament because of what he doesn't ask for.

1. The Missing Request

Paul is writing this letter from a prison cell. If most of us were in his shoes, our strongest thoughts would be about getting out. We would be asking for a lawyer, a shorter sentence, or at least a more comfortable bed.

But Paul doesn't ask for his chains to be removed; he asks for his mouth to be opened. He doesn't ask for his life to be easier; he asks for his message to be bolder. He calls himself an "Ambassador in Chains." 

The Lesson: An ambassador doesn't represent themselves; they represent a Kingdom. Even in a "prison" of circumstances, the mission remains the same.

2. A Lesson from the Underground Church

A few years ago, I had the privilege of spending time with a pastor from the Middle East who leads underground churches in a heavily persecuted nation. He shared stories of years spent in prison and the constant threat of violence.

When he finished, he asked for our prayers. Like Paul, he didn't ask for protection, comfort, or an escape route. He looked us in the eye and said, "Pray that we would have greater boldness." I will never forget that moment of conviction. It forced me to look at my own prayer list.

3. Auditing Our "Prayer Files"

Most of our prayer time is spent in asking for God to intervene in our comfort—healing for our bodies, wisdom for our finances, or relief from our stress. While there is nothing wrong with those requests, they are often incomplete.

If we have the "Helmet of Salvation" on and the "Sword of the Spirit" in our hand, our primary prayer should be: "Lord, give me the right words at the right moment." ---

The "Ambassador" Audit

To speak boldly, you must be "in tune" with the Spirit's intercom.

• The Big Question: When was the last time you "boldly spoke for Jesus"? Not in the safety of a church service or a small group, but in the "mission field" of your job, your school, or a restaurant?

• The Move: Today, don't just pray for your "chains" (your problems) to be removed. Pray for the words to speak through them. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you one "Divine Appointment" today where you can represent the Kingdom.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me today to speak boldly for You. Forgive me for being more concerned with my comfort than Your commission. Give me the courage to open my mouth when You provide the opportunity. Tune my ears to Your 'intercom' so I have the right words for the right person at the right time. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”