Prayers for the Church: Courage

The Church needs courage!

This is another prayer in a series of prayers I’m writing for the Church, each focused on a different area. I’ve lifted up a number of areas, so far (see list and links below).

I often find myself asking God for courage. It’s a requirement for both discipleship (following Jesus ) and leadership (serving God).

I’ve always been struck by how many times God told Joshua, Moses’ successor in the wilderness, to be strong and courageous in Joshua 1.

Be strong and courageous … Be strong and very courageous. … This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. … So be strong and courageous!

It seems that God wanted Joshua to be strong and courageous. I believe God wants us to be strong and courageous, too!

O God, thank you for always being with us. Because you are always with us, we can be strong and courageous, even when we walk through dark valleys!

Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to come alongside of us to be our Companion and Helper. We are never alone!

You send us, your Church, in the same way you sent Jesus into the world. For such a mission, we need courage!

Give us courage to follow you even when it’s hard. Help us to do what must be done, not just what is easy or comfortable or for our own benefit. And when you call us to take a step of faith, give us the courage to take that first step, which is often the hardest!

I pray especially for the persecuted Church. Give them courage to serve you faithfully. Please bless and honor their courage!

Make all the leaders in your Church strong and courageous. Help us to say what you want us to say, to lead where you want us to lead, and do what you want us to do!

Thankfully, Lord, you “didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled” (2 Timothy 1.7, CEB). Help us to be faithful to you. May we honor you by being strong and courageous. Amen.

(Previous prayers included: awakening, transformational leaders, urgency, hope, health, compassion, action, unity, power, favor, endurance, trust, and discipline.)