Confidence is an essential ingredient for prayer, as well as for Christian living.  In my study of this topic, I found seven different Hebrew and Greek words that could be translated as confidence (Hebrew: mibtach, betach, and batach; Greek: peitho, tharreo, parrhesia, and elpidos).  In these words, I found five basic meanings: confidence as security and safety, as assurance, as courage, as hope, and as trust.  We will now take a look at these meanings from a few verses of scripture.

Confidence is security and safety.  In Proverbs 14:26 it says, “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence [mibtach], and His children will have a place of refuge.”  Also in Proverbs 1:33 it says, “But whoever listens to Me will dwell safety [or confidently, betach] and will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Confidence is assurance.  In Philippians 1:3-6, Paul, beginning his letter…