Praying Against Fear, Intimidation, and Manipulation

Fear, intimidation, and manipulation often hold back American Christians from living fully for the Lord. Let’s pray that God’s people will be set free from these bonds and that the power of the Holy Spirit in us will prevail.

What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 10:27-33

When Jesus sent the Twelve to preach, heal, and cast out demons in His name, He instilled fearlessness in them. People, and the spiritual forces of wickedness behind flesh and blood, would seek to silence the disciples of Jesus. 

First century opponents of Christianity sought to control the disciples through physical threats. But because Jesus prepared them beforehand and they were filled with courage from the Spirit of God, His followers remained faithful to preach the word of Christ undeterred by human and demonic manipulations. 

Twenty-first century enemies of the gospel try to contain Christians through social pressure. We are made to feel that we “can’t” say that Jesus is the only way to the Father, or that all humans are sinful and need forgiveness through Jesus, or that God created humanity male and female, and the list goes on. 

The same Spirit who filled the first followers of Christ is in us. May we not quench His power in us but unleash Him to the world around us without fear for the temporary consequences.

Lord Jesus, let Your words in Matthew 10:27-33 land on us in the same way they did for the Twelve. Thank You for giving the Holy Spirit to empower us to be bold witnesses for You in the face of every fear, manipulation, and intimidation. You are worthy of our testimony and the world needs to know the Truth. In Your name we ask these things, amen.