How can we apply Joshua's boldness in prayer to our daily lives? Setting the Scene Joshua and Israel have marched all night to defend Gibeon against five Amorite kings. Exhausted but obedient, they watch God rain down hailstones on the enemy. Yet daylight is fading, and total victory needs more time. The Bold Request “On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to the Israelites, Joshua spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel: ‘O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.’” (Joshua 10:12) God literally halts the heavens. Scripture calls it a unique day when “the LORD listened to the voice of a man” (v. 14). Joshua’s daring petition becomes a template for courageous, promise-soaked prayer. Why Joshua Could Pray So Audaciously • Covenant confidence—God had already said, “I will be with you; I will never leave you” (Joshua 1:5). • Clear mission—conquering Canaan was God’s revealed agenda. • Personal history—crossing the Jordan and Jericho’s collapse proved nothing is impossible. • Zeal for God’s glory—victory would magnify the LORD before Israel and the surrounding nations. • Immediate need—if darkness fell, enemies would regroup. Joshua’s request served God’s purpose, not personal vanity. Key Principles for Us Today • Pray in line with revealed truth: “If we ask according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14-15). • Approach with confidence: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with boldness” (Hebrews 4:16). • Ask big: God is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). • Anchor requests in God’s promises, not feelings. • Seek the kingdom first (Matthew 6:33); boldness grows when God’s glory is the aim. • Expect God to act in history, not just in theory; Joshua’s miracle happened in a measurable day. Putting Bold Prayer into Practice 1. Start with Scripture. Read until a promise or command grips you. 2. Align your desire with God’s purpose—salvation of others, justice, holiness, provision for His work. 3. Formulate a specific request. Vague prayers seldom build faith. 4. Speak it aloud to the Lord. Joshua “spoke to the LORD in the presence of Israel.” 5. Believe, do not waver (James 1:6). Bold prayer rests on God’s character, not human odds. 6. Take corresponding action. Joshua kept fighting while the sun stood still. 7. Record the answer. A written memorial fuels future courage. Everyday Examples • Facing a tight deadline? Ask God to “lengthen the day” by granting unusual focus and efficiency. • Burdened for a prodigal child? Stand on Ezekiel 36:26 and ask for a new heart, believing God can interrupt their course. • Ministry needs resources? Claim Philippians 4:19 and request specific amounts, trusting God who owns all. Other Models of Courageous Prayer • Elijah calls down fire and later prays away the drought (1 Kings 18). • Hezekiah spreads Sennacherib’s threats before the LORD and sees deliverance overnight (Isaiah 37). • The early church prays for boldness; the place shakes and they speak fearlessly (Acts 4:29-31). Guardrails Against Presumption • Boldness is not bossiness; Jesus taught “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10). • Miraculous answers serve God’s plan, not personal applause. • Faith obeys accompanying commands; lingering sin stifles confidence (Psalm 66:18). A Closing Challenge Dare to pray prayers that require God to move the created order if necessary. Like Joshua, stand on the solid ground of God’s promises, speak up with holy audacity, and watch the Lord write fresh “sun-stand-still” stories into your own ordinary days. |
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