In these last days it is especially hard for Christians to stand up for their faith and give a bold witness. But if you have a prayer group where you can share your concerns and fears, great things can be accomplished.

Well, it just so happened that God gave us a great example to follow; for one day, in the early life of the church, Peter and John were put in custody for one night for preaching the gospel. And when they were released they were warned not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Well, what do you think they did? As you may read in the passage below, they went immediately to their companions and reported everything that was said to them.  They were not willing to give into their threats, but instead proceeded to unite themselves with their friends for an all-out attack against Satan by prayer.  With one accord they prayed, being motivated in their unity not only by concern for Peter and John, but because the spread of the gospel was in great jeopardy.

In their prayer they first acknowledged (particularly through the writings of David, Ps. 2:1-2) how God knows about, and even has determined the ways of evil men. Then, in the last half of the prayer, they specifically asked God to look on the threats of these Jewish leaders, and, in the face of their threats, to grant them boldness to speak His Word, and that healing, signs, and wonders would be done through Jesus name.

And 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.

Acts 4:23-31

And when they had been released, they went to their own companions, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is Thou who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Thy servant, didst say,

 

‘Why did the Gentiles rage,

And the peoples devise futile things?

26 ‘The kings of the earth took their stand,

And the rulers were gathered together

Against the Lord, and against His Christ.’

27 “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Thy holy servant Jesus, whom Thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Thy hand and Thy purpose predestined to occur. 29 “And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Thy bond-servants may speak Thy word with all confidence, 30 while Thou dost extend Thy hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Thy holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God with boldness.