#1507. Pray For Spirit-Inspired Courage (1/5/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

Do we lack courage? Let’s see how prayer gives us the courage to live for Jesus and share His gospel. 

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

Prayer gives courage. It’s both comforting and instructive to see that even Paul—an apostle, a pioneer, and a prisoner for Christ—felt the need for courage. He doesn’t assume boldness; he asks for it. He invites others into his struggle, asking them to pray that he would speak fearlessly.

We all struggle with fear. Even the bravest among us - those willing to stand for Christ in costly ways - still face the “fiery arrows” of fear: fear of rejection, fear of embarrassment, fear of consequences. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the Spirit-enabled ability to act despite it.

In the book of Acts, we see how God answers such prayers:

Notice the pattern: they prayed, they were filled, and they spoke boldly. Prayer was the pathway to fresh infilling, and fresh infilling produced fresh courage.

Response

Do we lack courage? Let’s see how prayer gives us the courage to live for Jesus and share His gospel. 

Do we lack courage? Then let us pray - better yet, who can you ask to pray for you? Perhaps your confession of fear and need will encourage others who, no doubt, have the same struggles!

Through prayer, God strengthens our hearts . He reminds us that we are not alone and that the message we carry is His. As we draw near to Him, fear loosens its grip and faith rises. 

Through prayer, we can be braver than we imagine. Through prayer, the gospel can reach even the hardest minds and hearts. God doesn’t call us to manufacture courage, but to receive it from Him.

It’s deeply inspiring that although Paul is in chains, he still sees himself as an “ambassador.” His circumstances don’t silence him—they become his platform. Every place can become a place of service and fruitfulness when we remain close to God in prayer.

So today, ask:

“Lord, give me Spirit-inspired courage. Help me to speak as I should.”

And then - trust Him, step out, and speak.

Community Group Study

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message was on the theme of, Pray In The Spirit. 

Please read Ephesians 6:18-20 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• The armour of God - What link is there between putting on the armour of God and prayer?

•  Pray in the Spirit - What are the various things that are meant by ‘Pray in the Spirit’?

• All kinds of prayer - What are the various kinds of prayer that the Spirit leads us into?

• Response - How do you think you’d like to grow in ‘praying in the Spirit’? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• Prayer leads to power -  From our text, what do we learn about the need for prayer in mission? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• General prayer: From our study, or from personal needs, how do people want prayer?