Praying the Kingdom Forward: Boldness from Acts 4

Reflections from Michael Dorestt on the Kingdom of God

When we talk about expanding the Kingdom, my mind goes straight to Acts 4:23–31—a snapshot of a church under pressure that chooses prayer over panic. Peter and John have just been threatened by the Sanhedrin after the healing of a lame man. They return to the believers, report what happened, and together they pray.

The Prayer that Shakes Places

Their prayer is simple and blazing: “Lord, look on their threats and grant your servants to speak your word with all boldness; stretch out your hand to heal, and let signs and wonders be done through the name of Jesus.” The result? “The place was shaken,” everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. This isn’t hype; it’s the normal, biblical pattern of a people who put the King first and trust Him with the outcomes.

Seek the King, Not the Signs

I’m Pentecostal/charismatic—and I’ll say this every time:we don’t chase signs and wonders; we follow Jesus. Weseek first the Kingdom(Matthew 6:33), pursue obedience, and step out in courage. As we do,God often confirms His word—healings, answers to prayer, and timely breakthroughs that accelerate disciple-making because people are encountering the living God. Then we come back to Scripture and build on that foundation.

A Fresh Example of Kingdom Nearness

We heard a story this week that sounds like Acts: a young man, early in his spiritual journey, prayed for his girlfriend when she had sudden heart pain—and it stopped immediately. He also completed a three-day fast and saw a tangible change in a chronic issue (standing 40 minutes without the usual swelling in his feet). These aren’t trophies; they’re trail markers that God is near as we walk in obedience.

And boldness isn’t just for pulpits. On a college campus, one of our friends simply engaged an open, skeptical student(his buddies were believers), shared the gospel briefly, and left the door open for next steps. That’s Acts 4 in real time—bold, clear, Spirit-led witness.

How to Pray Acts 4 Over Your City

1. Name the threats. Bring opposition, fear, and limitations to God without pretending they aren’t there.

2. Ask for boldness. Not bravado—Spirit-filled courage to speak Jesus’ word plainly.

3. Ask God to stretch out His hand. Pray for healings and signs that point people to Jesus.

4. Expect fresh filling. Pray until hearts, rooms—even schedules—are shaken into alignment with Him.

5. Return to the Word. After God moves, ground people in Scripture so faith matures and multiplies.

A Simple Next Step

Gather two or three friends this week. Read Acts 4:23–31 aloud. Take turns praying through the passage line by line:

• “Lord, look on their threats…” (name yours)

• “Grant your servants boldness…” (name one person or place)

• “Stretch out Your hand to heal…” (name a need)

• “In Jesus’ name.”

Then act on one nudge the Spirit gives—one conversation, one prayer, one step. And after you do, come back to the Word andbuild.

Kingdom growth isn’t complicated: Seek the King. Pray big. Step out. Let God confirm His word—and then disciple people into Scripture so it lasts.