As we begin the new year, Converge churches and missionaries from around the globe will embark on 21 Days of Prayer. Join us on this prayer journey by reading the daily entries on Converge’s blog, or by downloading your free 21 Days of Impactful Prayer: Moving Forward guide. In addition, you can share daily posts from our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Thank you for joining us as we open 2021 in prayer together.

Day 3: Courage

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 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, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should (Ephesians 6:18-20).

Reflections

Martin Luther once said, “Preach as if Jesus was crucified yesterday, rose from the dead today and is returning tomorrow.” In other words, live courageously, knowing our time is limited. In our post-Christian world, it is easy for believers to retreat rather than engage the culture with the gospel. Often, our retreat isn’t due to the lack of opportunity or even lack of training — it’s due to a lack of courage.

Fear within can keep us from living out the calling God has placed on our lives. This is no different in the lives of church planters.

Challenge

Pray for church planters to know the opportunities that exist in front of them and to have the courage to walk the path before them. Pray that every time they open their mouth, they will speak the message of Jesus with boldness.

Prayer

Dear Lord, open doors that seemingly are closed. Give great favor to our church planters and their teams as they venture into the unknown. Encourage them in the midst of their circumstances and give them supernatural courage to take the steps they need to take and to have the conversation that has to happen. May they be bold in the proclamation of the gospel. Amen.