Prayers to Shake Nations

“Grant it to Your bond-servants to speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”—Acts 4:29–30 NASB

Born in 1514 in Scotland, John Knox lived in turbulent times. He was a priest before being called to the Protestant ministry. In 1553, when Mary Tudor, a Roman Catholic, became queen of England, Knox fled to Switzerland. When he later returned to Scotland, Knox became an outspoken critic of Mary Queen of Scotland’s regime.

Knox displayed a bold faith, unafraid to pray boldly. Mary Queen of Scots admitted that she feared “the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe.” She knew his prayers unleashed God’s power. Knox knew how to pray with effectiveness. He prayed with a boldness that could shake the nations, all based on his relationship with God and a sense of His presence.

Knox prayed, “O Lord, give me Scotland, or I die!” God heard his prayer and mighty spiritual things happened. Knox knew nothing was impossible for those who pray. He expressed this conviction when he said, “A man with God is always in the majority.”

Today, God hasn’t changed. But how many people can say they pray with the kind of boldness characterized by John Knox? God looks for people with this kind of boldness—a boldness that is willing to take on kings and kingdoms and assault the gates of hell.

Determine to live by faith; believe God boldly. Act with a certainty that, with Him, nothing is impossible!

Reflection Question: How can you share your faith boldly this week?