Prayer For Courage To Stand Firm

10 Great Prayers For Courage

Prayer For Courage To Stand Firm

There are many great prayers in the Bible that can be read and studied to help you know how to pray for strength. Though one of the stories mentioned below doesn’t contain the text of the prayer the Bible says that they prayed and God heard them.

Do you find yourself in need of courage for situations that come up in your life? Praying and asking God for courage is the first place you should turn.

Read through these ten prayers for courage and let us know in the comments your favorite

Praying and asking God for courage is the first place you should turn.

Jacob When Meeting Esau – Genesis 32

When Jacob was returning to meet Esau after running away several years earlier, he was more than a little scared. He had tricked Esau and fled for his life. As he returned he heard that Esau was looking for him with 400 men at his side. Jacob prayed to God for courage.

Genesis 32:9-12 “And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children. And thou saidst, I will surely do thee good, and make thy seed as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.”

Hezekiah’s Prayer – 2 Kings 19

A group of kings was preparing to do battle with King Hezekiah and the Israelites. They were kings who had wiped out whole nations. When Hezekiah received the message that Israel was to be invaded, he prayed the following courage prayer.

2 Kings 19:15-19 “And Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, O LORD God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. LORD, bow down thine ear, and hear: open, LORD, thine eyes, and see: and hear the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent him to reproach the living God.

Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands, And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them. Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.

Gideon – Judges 6

Gideon was chosen by God to lead a small army to defeat the Midianites. Through a series of prayers by Gideon and proofs by God, Gideon gained the courage he needed to lead the men.

Here is one exchange between Gideon and the messenger of God. Gideon said he was not brave enough to do the job, but he trusted in the God who promised to lead Israel.

Judges 6:13-16 “And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.

And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.”

Asa Prayed for Victory – 2 Chronicles 14

After the 12 tribes of Israel were divided into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms (Israel and Judah respectively), there came a king in the south named Asa. He was a descendant of David and Solomon. An Ethiopian ruler by the name of Zerah came to fight against God’s people. Asa asked God for courage and for a victory in the battle.

2 Chronicles 14:11 “And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let no man prevail against thee.”

Prayers For Courage From the Psalms

Psalm23 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”

Psalm 27 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”

Psalm 31“In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.

Pull me the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.I am forgotten as a dead man mind: I am a broken vessel.

For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake.Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Blessed be the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

Micah’s Prayer – Micah 7

Part of Micah’s prophecy (which was to warn the nation of Israel of coming judgment) was a prayer to God asking for protection and courage to face the enemy.

Micah 7:7, 8 “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.”

Peter’s Prayer for Boldness – Acts 4

When Peter and the other disciples were on trial in Acts 4 they boldly proclaimed the Gospel. At the end of his sermon, Peter still prayed for courage and boldness to continue to preach God’s Word. When they finished praying the Bible says that the place was shaken and the Holy Ghost came upon them with power and they were able to boldly preach as they had prayed.

Acts 4:29-31 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”

The Serenity Prayer

A well-known prayer called the Serenity Prayer talks about having courage to make wise choices and act upon them.

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

Were these prayers for courage helpful? If so, you might also enjoy reading this one:

 20 Bible Verses About Courage

Resources:

The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)

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Источник: //www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-great-prayers-for-courage/

Bible Verses about Courage

Prayer For Courage To Stand Firm

Sometimes in our life here on earth, we need to be brave. These Bible verses about courage can inspire us so that we have the strength to do God’s work, and not be afraid.

David was courageous when he went up against impossible odds and defeated Goliath. It’s that kind of courage that comes from God. And it is that kind of courage that we can have when we know God is on our side.

These Scripture quotes about courage were carefully selected from the biblical text and are perfect for use in a greeting card, personal study, or use in a sermon.

1

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” [Deuteronomy 31:6]

2

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” [Joshua 1:9]

3

“So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”” [Hebrew 13:6]

4

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” [Psalm 31:24]

5

“I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.” [Luke 12:4]

6

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4]

7

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” [Ephesians 6:10]

8

“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” [Psalm 118:6]

9

“You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” [2 Chronicles 20:17]

10

“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm” [Ephesians 6:13]

11

“Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him.”” [2 Samuel 10:12]

12

“You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” [Psalm 91:5]

13

“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” [Psalm 27:14]

14

“And the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.”” [Joshua 10:8]

15

“Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.” [Psalm 27:3]

16

“And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again.” [Exodus 14:13]

17

“Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10]

18

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” [John 16:33]

19

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” [Proverbs 28:1]

What Does the Bible teach us about Courage?

With the above Bible verses, we are instructed over and over again to be courageous and not fear, specifically because God is with us.

When we are following God’s lead and living life as he has instructed us, these quotes tell us that we do not need to fear because he will fight for us. When God is on our side, there is no force or power that can stand against him.

Having said this, there are also scriptures for courage that tell us there are times when we will suffer for Christ, but even then we are to be strong.

It seems that this strength and courage that God asks of us comes by faith in him–in believing that he is there with us no matter what we must endure. When we believe, we know that nothing can happen to us except he allows it to because he has overcome the world.

Add a Bible Verse or Comment

Источник: //www.praywithme.com/bible-verses-about-courage.html

Chapter 4: Courage to Stand

Prayer For Courage To Stand Firm

Courage is the ladder on which
all the other virtues mount.

– Clare Booth Luce

Courage is the most important quality in leadership.

Without courage, you may have a vision, but you will never pursue it.

Without courage, you may believe in something, but you will never stand up and speak for it.

All leaders need courage to pursue their visions. This is because true leaders often have to go against the status quo.

The status quo could be something as mundane as a process that has been used in a company for decades or it could be a belief in a culture about certain practices.

Leaders go against the status quo, not because it’s the cool thing to do; but because they know deeply inside what they wish to see in this world.

They are clear about their visions and to them, it doesn’t matter what the world thinks. It only matters what they think.

Often, these visions go against popular belief and they rock the boat. That’s why leaders often need to have the tenacity to follow through on their visions.

Alexander the Great didn’t get his men’s support to go all the way west to India, but he went anyway.

Jesus of Nazareth didn’t get his disciples’ support to give up his life to the angry Pharisees, but he did anyway.

You too, need to realize that whatever vision you might have in your life; it is ly to rock the boat; not everyone in your life will be happily agreeing your vision for your own life.

2.1 My Own Experience with Standing Up

Let me share some of my own experiences as well.

About 3 years ago, I was preparing a presentation about a community service project my group had embarked on. During the discussion, one of the members suggested that we misrepresent the information so that we could score better with our professors.

I was silent for a while, but then I said, “No. If you’re going to do that, then I won’t present. That’s cheating.”

That immediately got a few feathers ruffled. “You’re just being inflexible. We can be flexible about such things.”

A member stood up for me, “No, there’s a difference. This is a matter of principle.”

So in the end, it went according to my way.

Here’s another experience about a year later:

My group had got back a group assignment from the professor and we had received a low grade; to our horror we realized it was because we had forgotten to submit the answer to a particular question.

One of my group members suggested that we quickly add in the answers and tell the professor that she forgot to mark it.

I stood up and gave a firm no. “No, we will go and tell her that we forgot to submit in the question and apologize.”

That stopped my members in their tracks. It was awkward for a while, but they decided to do it my way in the end.

The professor gave us the marks for that question.

I mean, these experiences may not seem much to you; but I know that there’s where courage begins: standing up against our peers when we have to.

If we start compromising in a sheltered environment the university, it’s only going to get worse in the business and corporate world.

Wherever you are now, you have to start having the courage to stand up for what’s right.

That’s the beginning of leadership.

4.2 People Won’t Approve of You

The truth is, there will be people who won’t approve of you. When you have a vision for something bigger in your life, there will be people who don’t want that vision to happen.

The sad thing is that it often comes from those closest to you; your friends or family.

Those close to you often have an expectation of who you should be, and they want you to conform to that image.

When I chose to rise up to Presidency in University-YMCA, not everyone approved of it.

My parents were not happy with me being so involved in school activities. They came from a generation where it was about studying hard, doing well in university and getting a good, reputable paying job in the marketplace.

They never encouraged me about taking up leadership in University-YMCA. They preferred that I just do well in my studies.

One of my church leaders was not happy either. This leader wanted me to focus purely on ministry inside the church and didn’t the idea of me being committed elsewhere. To this leader, serving in church was a higher calling.

But I chose to go ahead anyway.

In my heart, I felt the call to take up leadership in University-YMCA. I did it, and I never regretted that decision.

I’m sure you want the same for your life too; you want to be someone notable; a leader in your field; but yet, the pressure from the people around you is simply too great.

4.3 Where can I Find Courage?

Where did all the great leaders find courage to do what they did?

I can think of three ways you can find courage to live the life that you envisioned yourself to live.

First, read and learn about leaders that have overcome the same area in their lives. Read biographies of great leaders to inspire you. Watch movies of courageous leaders to bring out the same passion in you.

Remember, whatever was in those leaders you saw, it is in you too. No man has a different substance from another. Leaders are made, not born.

Often, I to watch war movies about war heroes  Balian in Kingdom of Heaven, Alexander the Great, Lawrence of Arabia, and so on.

They always leave me with a taste for adventure and keep me fired up for my own battles.

Next, keep yourself in the company of people who are encouraging and enabling. Most people are not as encouraging as we want them to be; most people don’t really think you’ll be anything great in your life.

You have to find friends that do.

I know it isn’t easy. It just isn’t easy to walk out there and decide, “You there. You’ll be my friend and ally that believes in me. Let’s take this life journey together.”

But you have to be intentional about it. Go join a leadership seminar; join a church.

Do something to meet new people that have a common belief.

For me, I have friends in University-YMCA who believe in the same vision, and people in my church who are constantly encouraging and edifying. Most importantly, they are people who believe in dreams.

They believe that everyone has a calling in life; and a great destiny that awaits them.

Third; this is somewhere where I cannot lead you, but it is probably the most powerful source of courage: your faith.

I’ll share about an illustration of faith-based courage from the Bible:

The early disciples of Jesus believed in Him so much that they were willing to go all the way to their deaths to preach the Gospel.

All the disciples of Jesus had suffered gruesome deaths while preaching the Gospel. According to history, the disciple Peter was crucified upside down and the disciple John was lowered into a pot of boiling oil.

This was the great faith of the early church. The disciples held on to their beliefs till their deaths.

Your faith tells you that there are things in life more important than life itself. Values integrity, truth are upheld greater than life itself because a greater reward is promised to those who uphold them.

My faith tells me that my God is with me; that He is always behind me. It gives me courage to stand up for what’s right; and for what’s true.

It gave me courage to speak my mind in those situations; and the courage to step out to take leadership in University-YMCA.

You need to find courage, for it is your ticket to living out your true vision.

Move on to Chapter 5: Integrity in Leadership

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Источник: //www.leadershipgeeks.com/courage-to-stand/

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