BASIC SCRIPTURES PRAYERS AND DAILY DECLARATIONS (26TH APRIL 2025)
Daily Devotional for Saturday, April 26th, 2025
Basic Scripture: Acts 4:18-31 (NKJV)
Bible Reading: Acts 4:18-31
18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.
20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”
21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.
22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.
23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, and the people plot vain 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 against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together
28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
30 while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
Theme: Boldness in the Power of the Holy Spirit
The passage in Acts 4:18-31 highlights the early church’s response to opposition and persecution. After Peter and John were commanded by the religious leaders not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, they boldly declared their allegiance to God over man. Rather than cowering in fear, they prayed for boldness and relied on the power of the Holy Spirit to continue proclaiming the gospel. This account reminds us that when we face challenges or resistance in our walk with God, He equips us with supernatural courage to fulfill His purposes.
Key Verses from Acts 4:18-31
- Verse 19-20 (NKJV):
“But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.'”- Peter and John prioritized obedience to God above all else, refusing to remain silent about the truth of Jesus Christ.
- Verse 29-30 (NKJV):
“Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”- Their prayer wasn’t for safety or comfort but for boldness to keep sharing the gospel despite opposition.
- Verse 31 (NKJV):
“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”- God responded immediately, empowering them with His Spirit to continue advancing His kingdom.
Prayer Points for Today
- Prayer for Boldness in Witnessing:
Father, I ask for the same boldness that Peter and John demonstrated. Remove any fear or hesitation that holds me back from sharing Your love and truth with others. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit so that I can be a fearless witness for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Prayer for Divine Protection Against Opposition:
Lord, just as You protected Peter and John from the threats of the religious leaders, shield me from the schemes of the enemy. Let no weapon formed against me prosper, and turn every attack into an opportunity for Your glory to shine. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Prayer for Unity in Prayer and Faith:
Heavenly Father, teach me to pray fervently like the early church—aligned with Your will and dependent on Your power. Strengthen my faith and unite me with other believers so that we can boldly advance Your kingdom together. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Prayer for Supernatural Signs and Wonders:
Lord, stretch forth Your mighty hand to confirm Your Word wherever it is preached. Perform miracles, healings, and wonders in the name of Jesus so that many will come to know You as Savior and Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen. - Prayer for Obedience Over Fear:
Father, help me to prioritize obedience to You above pleasing people or avoiding conflict. Give me the wisdom to discern Your voice and the courage to follow it, regardless of the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Declarations
- I declare that I am filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to speak the Word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 )
- I declare that I will not fear opposition or intimidation because greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 )
- I declare that I prioritize obedience to God above all else, refusing to compromise my faith. (Acts 4:19-20 )
- I declare that God turns every threat and obstacle into opportunities for His glory to manifest. (Romans 8:28 )
- I declare that I am surrounded by divine protection and covered by the blood of Jesus. No weapon formed against me will succeed. (Isaiah 54:17 )
- I declare that I walk in unity with fellow believers, praying fervently and standing strong in faith. (Matthew 18:19-20 )
- I declare that God performs signs, wonders, and miracles through me as I share the gospel boldly. (Mark 16:17-18 )
- I declare that my prayers align with God’s will, and He answers them according to His perfect plan. (1 John 5:14-15 )
- I declare that I am unshakable in my commitment to Christ, even in the face of trials or persecution. (James 1:12 )
- I declare that God uses my testimony to bring salvation, healing, and deliverance to those around me. (Revelation 12:11 )
Reflection Questions
- When was the last time you felt hesitant or afraid to share your faith? What practical steps can you take today to overcome that fear?
- How does the example of Peter and John challenge you to prioritize obedience to God over seeking approval from others?
- In what ways can you cultivate a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit to empower you in your daily life and ministry?
- Why is corporate prayer important, and how can you actively participate in lifting up your community or church in prayer?
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the powerful example of Peter, John, and the early church. As I reflect on their boldness and reliance on Your Spirit, I ask for the same courage and confidence to live for You unapologetically. Help me to trust in Your protection and provision, especially when facing opposition or challenges. Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit, and use me as an instrument of Your grace and power. May Your name be glorified in everything I say and do. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged, beloved! The same Holy Spirit that emboldened the early church dwells within you. Step out in faith—you are equipped to make a difference! 🌟
