Let us pray then, but let us also remember what kind of boldness is called for. Not mere noise, not human audacity, but the power that comes from the Holy Spirit alone. For the preaching is committed to you as a herald’s task: to declare openly, without addition or subtraction, what has happened. That is boldness. That is the kind of speaking which Christ commanded from the housetops. It is not a gift that comes from fleshly confidence, but from the Spirit who makes us cry out in love, not in fear. Therefore, as you prepare your sermon plan, do not neglect prayer and supplication, watching thereunto in all perseverance. Ask that utterance may be given to you, to open your mouth with boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel. That is exactly what the Apostle sought, though he was an ambassador in chains.
But see that you do not mistake wrath for boldness. The truly bold speaker is free from passion. If you speak with anger, you ruin everything, no matter how just the words. The boldness of a man who knows his cause is gentle, not harsh. Stephen’s face shone like an angel’s even as they gnashed their teeth, because he spoke without wrath, imitating the Cross. So pray also for a clean heart, that the Holy Spirit may dwell in you unhindered. He does not abide where wrath is. And this Spirit is the one who clothes every word with power, who baptizes with fire, who works the inward miracle while you speak outwardly. So do not merely ask for boldness; ask to be filled with love toward God and toward the hearers, for love arises from power, from not fearing.
Then, when you stand to preach, know that it is not your eloquence but His anointing that pierces hearts. He Himself pricketh the heart, He giveth the Spirit of compunction. Your task is to open your mouth; His is to give the increase. Therefore, prepare with all diligence, writing and organizing, but lean entirely on the grace that is given. So then, let your prayer be not only that you may speak with boldness as you ought, but that the Father’s heart may be gladdened and His Name glorified through the weakness of your voice, made mighty by His Spirit. For He gives the Spirit not that we shrink from exertion, but that we may speak with power.
May the Lord, then, prepare you for this ministry as He prepared Apollos, who was mighty in the Scriptures and spoke boldly in the synagogue, yet humbly received instruction. May you too be fervent in spirit, teaching the things of the Lord, and may the brethren’s prayers go with you, so that when you open your mouth, it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking in you, to the praise of His glorious grace.