Prayers of the Bibleনমুনা

Do you pray with boldness or with meekness?

Many people pray humbly and meekly, saying things like, “Dear Father, if it is Your will, please heal…”. Prayers like this are both biblical and beautiful. Jesus Himself taught us to pray in this way, both through His example and in the Lord’s Prayer.

However, at times, our uncertainty about whether we are praying in line with God’s will affects how we approach Him, leading us to lack the boldness that Scripture encourages in prayer.

In Hebrews 10:19–22, we read:

“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.”

In other words, because of Jesus’ death on the cross, when we pray, we are encouraged to pray with confidence and assurance, knowing that God is for us, eager to listen to us, and ready to answer our prayers.

In 1 Kings 18, Elijah prays boldly to God while surrounded by the prophets of Baal. His prayer during the burnt offering contest was neither wordy nor long; it was short, concise, and powerful:

“O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel, and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back.”

When you pray prayers that align with God’s will and glory, do so with boldness. Answer me, O LORD.

Today, ponder this:

What would change in your prayer life if you prayed with the same boldness and assurance as Elijah?