We are not out of January yet, and I’m already a bit intimidated by this year. It feels like God is asking for more – more love, more forgiveness, more sacrifice, more giving, more obedience – more of the things that stretch me. I know to live this year well, I’ll need to walk with courage consistently. 

I  don’t consider myself courageous, but I do know that when I choose to be brave, I see the strength of God most evident in my life. It’s not praying bold prayers that is the hard part; it’s what comes after the prayer…living out bold prayers is what brings me to my knees. 

As defined by Oxford Languages, Courageous means not deterred by danger or pain; brave. Living out courageous prayers is a fight that requires strength from God. It leads to a path that we cannot walk if He does not step in.  

The conflict here is our human nature. We tend to resist circumstances that require us to depend on a strength outside ourselves. We are designed to protect ourselves. We are wired that way. Consider our brains; they learn how to block out or push back traumatic experiences over time. Think about your reflexives and senses; if you touch a fire, signals are sent to your body, telling it to protect and heal. We place alarms in our homes to warn us of danger. We don’t want to be in a place of instability; we don’t want to face pain. 

So it makes sense why praying and living out a courageous prayer can oppose our very human nature. But our human nature, our desire to feel safe and be protected from hurt, harm, and danger, can also stand in the way of us experiencing the gift of God’s strength. If we want to live out bold prayers and experience God’s power, we must learn how to fight against our human nature. 

In this first month of this year, I’ve reflected on Joshua 1:9 as a reminder to live and pray courageously. I tell myself to be strong and courageous, not afraid or discouraged, because the Lord will be with me wherever I go. 

God knows the pain and danger, perceived or actual, that has held our prayers captive.

We’ve prayed safe prayers, prayers where we didn’t have to depend on His strength, but we are commanded to be courageous. Not so we can be confident in what we can accomplish, but so we can experience the power that only He can give. So we can be bold for His glory above all else. 

We need not worry about the outcome, or about where His answer may lead. We just need to pray courageously, knowing that wherever we  go, His hand will guide us, and His strength will empower us to live out courageous prayers.

Examples of courageous prayers you can pray:

1.  God, give me the strength to leave this place of comfort that I know You have called me out of. 

2. Father, forgive me for offending my friend. Give me the right words to say as I ask for forgiveness. 

3. God, thank you for blessing me financially. Give me an opportunity this week to bless someone else out of what You have given me. 

4. Lord, search my heart and show me where I am not honoring You. Convict me  when my ways do not bring You glory.  

5. Father, I’ve lost hope and I want to hope again. Help me to work through the hurt and pain that is preventing me from fully trusting You. 

Prayer: God, give us the strength to pray courageous prayers and to live them. May we pray prayers that draw us closer to You, point to Your goodness, and are for Your glory.