“Bravery is an island in an ocean of fear. To be brave is not to be fearless; instead it’s to be fearful, yet remain unmoved by that fear.”
At church yesterday, a comment was made about being “brave in prayer”. I don’t think I’ve considered that combination of words before. ‘Brave Prayer’.
If being brave is doing something despite the feeling of fear associated with that thing. What things might we fear in prayer?
Fear that God is not listening.
Fear that God IS listening, that knowledge will require us to change.
Fear that you’re unworthy.
Fear of other people hearing or judging you.
I’m sure there are others we have felt before, but we also know that it is the “devil that teacheth man not to pray.” We need to push through these fears and speak with our maker.
What does brave prayer look like then? Or how might bravery be required in prayer?
Brave to pray at all.
Brave about where you pray. (closets, in restaurants, before a meeting)
Brave about finding space to pray.
Brave about with whom you pray (kids, associates, onlookers, my wife.)
Brave in what you pray for. (Boldly call on God for miracles and his choicest blessings, especially when you fear it might not be his plan to give them)
Brave to pray for angels to attend you and others.
I know there are a multitude of blessings that God is waiting anxiously to pour down upon us! Many are only contingent on us asking for them. YOU can receive answers. YOU can see miracles in your life. YOU can find peace.
The late Elder Holland taught us: ”Pray more than you pray. However much you’ve prayed, pray more. And in however many places you’ve prayed, pray in more places. However many times during the day you pray, pray more times in the day… pray always.”
I invite you to pray boldly this year, my F5 brother. Pray in public, even when normally that would make you self concious and lose your focused connection. Pray in private. Pray for that miracle you seek, then expect miracles to happen. Pray for your goals, then expect He’ll help you achieve them.
Always carry a brave prayer in your heart.
Justin & Jared
