With Boldness
“And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” –Ephesians 6:19–20 (NASB)
Read the verse a few times, asking the Holy Spirit to highlight words or phrases for your attention.
Lord, why this word/phrase?
What do you want me to know or understand about it?
What is your invitation?
Some time ago I wrote “NEO” next to this verse in my Bible. What popped for me was Paul’s request for prayer. He asked that “utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.” I figured if Paul was asking for this specific prayer perhaps this was a good way to pray for the NEO team and more broadly for all of us, myself included. The verse is packed with plenty of direction for prayer and personal challenge.
This request comes on the heels of Paul’s admonition to put on the full armor of God as he reminds us of our struggle and the armor’s role to help us resist and stand firm (6:10–17). Ephesians 6:15 describes a part of this armor is to have our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” The good news. To stand alert on your feet, always ready to share the blessing of peace. This leads me to some personal questions.
How mindful are you of your armor? Your preparation? Your stance? Your message of the gospel in simple non-religious words? What needs to change?
Paul asked that God’s revelation would come as he opened his mouth to speak. He was asking for heaven’s partnership in all his various encounters. And not only for God’s words to come and unlock the mystery of the gospel for the hearer, but that they would be delivered without fear and in confident freedom (boldness). Yes Lord, we want that too!
How are you engaging this powerful partnership as you encounter people far from God? What is your regular practice? Lord, does it need any tweaking?
I bless you as you sit with the Lord and hear his thoughts as you interact with these verses. I bless you to see yourself as a well-armored sent one with his words flowing from your mouth with fearless confidence, finding welcome in the prepared heart.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ellen Uebele serves on the NEO Board and prays these verses regularly for the ministry. She loves to help people go deeper with God, and pursue healing and freedom. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her Novo Board member and strategist husband, Keith. They have three adult children, a lovely daughter-in-law and a very fun granddaughter.
