Author: Charles Spurgeon

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Our hearts pour out in prayer for the unconverted, knowing their future in a few years’ time. We plead, by your wrath, deliver them from it. By the fires of hell, ransom them from its depths. By the dread of the wrath to come, have mercy on these sons of men, even those who show no mercy to themselves.

Father, you have promised that your Son shall see the fruit of his suffering. We point to the ransom paid; we remind you of your Son’s groans, his agony, and his bloody sweat. Gaze upon sinners with eyes that beheld the ultimate sacrifice. Speak the word, and bid them live.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you?” (James 4:1)

Whether between nations, or parties, or individuals—if there are wars and fightings, where do they come from? Do they not arise from one desiring something, and another desiring the same thing? Is there not a competition or emulation of an evil kind, in which each one prefers himself, and seeks not the good of his neighbor?

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Trust the God who is able to keep you until the end

As we pray for God to strengthen our faith, we can also fill our minds with his Word as a means to boost our faith.

A great book on growing your faith in God is Trusting God by Jerry Bridges. This book focuses on God’s sovereignty, his good control over all things, and shows that we really can trust God in any circumstance. This book is full of reasons to trust God and applies those reasons to the trials in our lives that make it particularly hard to trust God.

This book will strengthen your faith and confidence in our great God — I hope you’ll grab a copy today.

Buy Trusting God:

• Amazon (Paperback, Kindle, or audiobook edition)
• ChristianBook.com (Paperback or ebook edition)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Our hearts go out to those who disregard Divine matters. May you make an impression upon them! Let your truth reach their conscience like a stray arrow. May thoughts of death and eternity crash over their souls like mighty waves, impossible to resist. Illuminate their conscience with the light of heaven. Make them question their position and future. Lead them to turn to you with hearts resolved.

Others falter between two choices, halting between faith and doubt. Some we hold dear in the flesh have not yet chosen God. Their fate teeters on the brink. We cast your cross before them, Jesus, and ask that you tip the scales. Let irresistible love surge forth and conquer hearts that have resisted even the mightiest assaults of the law. May those who remained untouched by the furnace of Sinai be melted by the beams of love from the tearful eyes of Jesus!

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“In your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar.” (Psalm 51:18–19)

In those days of joyful prosperity, your saints will offer rich and holy thank offerings in great abundance, and you will be pleased to accept them. A saved soul expects its prayers to be answered with a revived church, and then we are assured that God will be greatly glorified.

Though we no longer offer sacrifices for sin, our solemn praises and gifts are acceptable thank offerings to God through Jesus Christ. We may not offer the smallest things; rather, we present our best possessions—our bulls. We are glad that at this present time, we can fulfill the declaration of this verse. We also anticipate days of divine presence when the church of God, with unspeakable joy, will present gifts upon the altar of God, surpassing anything witnessed in these less enthusiastic times. Lord, hasten this day.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

God’s Grace for Parents of Children Identifying as LGBT*

Parents, our greatest hope is not our ability to change our children, but the grace of God. God’s sovereign grace has saved us, and the God of all grace will continue to comfort us and sustain us no matter what trials we face in parenting.

A unique challenge that parents are facing in our day is shepherding children who struggle with LGBT identities.

This struggle can cause incredible pain and confusion in our children.

It causes incredible pain and confusion for parents too.

But at the same time, God is a gracious comforter to all of us in our sin, suffering, and confusion.

Parents need to remember — and cling to — this reality as their children wrestle with LGBT identities.

And a great resource to help parents remember this is Shattered Dreams, New Hopes — a FREE Bible study curriculum from Harvest USA.

This resource offers grace-saturated comfort from God’s Word for parents walking through the trial of a child identifying as LGBT.

Here’s what to look forward to…

• Use this study in a group, one-on-one, or on your own
• Understand biblically (not just psychologically/culturally) why your child has adopted this identity
• Find compassion as you navigate this difficult season
• Discover practical guidance for moving toward your child with grace and truth (without driving them away)
• Remember the hope of Christ, powerfully working, even in the darkest of days

If you have a child struggling with an LGBT identity (or someone you know has a child like this), then PLEASE check out this free resource.

Download Shattered Dreams, New Hope from Harvest USA (FREE)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, now I yield. I lay down weapons of rebellion at your feet, renouncing enmity to become yours, King of Kings; I must be united with Christ, cleansed by his blood, clothed in his righteousness. Receive us, Father.

May delay be no more; let this be the moment when the great transaction occurs, when we become truly yours, and you become our all.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. You will not despise a broken and humbled heart, God.” (Psalm 51:17)

All sacrifices are united in one, offered by the person whose shattered heart presents the merits of the savior to you. When the heart mourns over sin, it brings greater pleasure than a bull bleeding on an altar.

A “broken heart” implies profound sorrow, a bitterness that permeates even the essence of life. It carries within it the concept of an almost fatal agony in the very core of life. So precious is a humbled and mourning spirit that it’s not only a sacrifice but possesses a multitude of excellences, preeminently being God’s sacrifices. A single contrite heart is more precious to him than all the varied offerings of the old sanctuary.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Christ never changes (He’s still alive today)

We praise Christ as the unchanging God of all glory. It is wonderful to think that, in the midst of so much change, sorrow, and suffering in this world, Christ is the same.

Of course, we know mentally that Christ is alive today… but what is he doing? After Christ rose again, he ascended into heaven. And he is doing some astounding work there right now for your good.

To better understand what Christ has been doing since he rose from the dead, you should check out The Ascension of Christ by Patrick Schreiner. This book is an accessible introduction to an often-neglected doctrine.

I know that reading it will bring you a lot of joy as you reflect on Christ’s present ministry for you. Grab a copy and read it this summer.

Buy The Ascension of Christ:

• Amazon (Paperback or Kindle)
• ChristianBook.com (Paperback or ebook)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Our Father in heaven, we lift a prayer for those who neglect you. Created by you yet estranged from you, nourished by your bounty yet silent in gratitude, living for self, the world, Satan, and sin. They cannot pray, for they are spiritually lifeless. Your quickened children intercede for them. They won’t come to you, as lost sheep, but we implore you to seek and bring them back.

Glorious Lord, you have taught us to pray for others, for the grace that reached us, undeserving sinners, can surely reach the vilest. We boast not in who we are, nor in our natural state. If our just punishment had been enacted, we would dwell in hell. It is your abundant, free, sovereign, distinguishing grace that lifted us from the mire and placed us on the Rock. Shall we not then pray for others? Shall we neglect to pray for their conversion? Should we not weep for those who lack tears and cry out for those without prayers? We must and we will, Father.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“You do not want a sacrifice, or I would give it; you are not pleased with a burnt offering.” (Psalm 51:16)

David’s insight transcends the symbolic ritual; his eyes of faith fixate on the actual atonement. I could present tens of thousands of offerings if they could suffice. Indeed, I would willingly offer anything you prescribed. We are ready to give up all we possessions if it means being cleansed of our sins. And once sin is pardoned, our joyful gratitude is ready for any sacrifice.

But he understands that no burnt sacrifice could truly appease. His soul’s depth of need compels him to look beyond the symbol to the reality.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Parenting in a Sexually-Confused World*

As we raise children in a confusing cultural moment, our hope is not in our power or ability as parents — but in Christ’s grace and power to save. He is able to help our children, no matter what sins tempt them.

One of the most difficult things that parents will face today is the cultural confusion around sexuality and gender. Our kids hear a lot of confusing messages about homosexuality and transgenderism.

While there are a lot of great resources to help parents understand the current cultural pressures our kids face, there aren’t many tools to help parents process when a child actually comes to identify as LGBTQ+.

And that’s why I’m so thankful for Shattered Dreams, New Hopes — a FREE Bible study curriculum from Harvest USA.

This resource is an invaluable tool for parents walking through one of the most difficult seasons as their child has made sin and confusion a central part of their identity.

This book is NOT “five steps to fix your child,” because only God can save our children.

Rather, this is a biblical exploration of what God is graciously doing in your heart through this trial.

Here’s what to look forward to…

• Use this study in a group, one-on-one, or on your own
• Understand biblically (not just psychologically/culturally) why your child has adopted this identity
• Find compassion as you navigate this difficult season
• Discover practical guidance for moving toward your child with grace and truth (without driving them away)
• Remember the hope of Christ, powerfully working, even in the darkest of days

This curriculum really is an invaluable, faithful resource. If you have a child struggling with an LGBT identity (or someone you know has a child like this), then PLEASE check out this resource.

Download Shattered Dreams, New Hope from Harvest USA (FREE)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Our souls long to ignite words of fire, yet we are limited! When will we shed this earthly form that restrains our song? When will our wings carry us upward to your throne, allowing us to learn the flaming sonnets sung by cherubim above, so we may forever glorify you?

However, even these expressions fall short of your glory. We yearn to sing a new song to you. In heaven, we will lead eternal music. We will encircle your throne, rejoicing endlessly, making the waving of palms and the casting of crowns at your feet the pinnacle of our glory, our bliss, our heaven, forever and ever!

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” (Psalm 51:15)

I am so cautious of my own inadequacy that I entrust my entire being to your care. I’m hesitant to speak until you unseal my shame-stricken mouth. How miraculously you can open our lips, causing us to pour forth divine thoughts under your inspiration!

This penitent prayer can benefit anyone whose shame over sin renders them speechless during prayer. Once fully answered, the tongue of the silent begins to sing. When vanity, anger, falsehood, or lust unseal the gate, vile deeds spill forth. Yet, when the Holy Spirit opens the gateway, grace, mercy, peace, and all virtues emerge in harmonious melodies, akin to the daughters of Israel celebrating David’s victory.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

God’s Care for Parents of LGBT-Identifying Children*

Suffering parents of sinful children (which is ALL parents) can confidently pray to God through Christ, who gives mercy and grace to help in times of need. As parents, the mercy and truth of Jesus Christ is essential to sustain us through every trial we face.

Whatever we face as parents, we always need to pray.

And, what incredible mercy, God always hears our prayers!

One challenge that countless parents are facing today is a child adopting an LGBT identity. Many Christians aren’t equipped to think biblically about this, and so parents are tempted to despair.

But we do not need to despair when we worship a God who hears prayers.

A great resource to help you navigate your child’s adopting an LGBT identity is Shattered Dreams, New Hopes — a FREE Bible study curriculum from Harvest USA.

This study will remind you of the comfort of God and the mercy to be found in Jesus.

Here’s what to look forward to…

• Use this study in a group, one-on-one, or on your own
• Understand biblically (not just psychologically/culturally) why your child has adopted this identity
• Find compassion as you navigate this difficult season
• Discover practical guidance for moving toward your child with grace and truth (without driving them away)
• Remember the hope of Christ, powerfully working, even in the darkest of days

If you are struggling with your child’s LGBT identity, don’t struggle alone! Remember the mercy of God with Shattered Dreams, New Hope.

Download Shattered Dreams, New Hope from Harvest USA (FREE)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

We give you thanks, Divine Son of God, co-eternal and co-equal with the Father. You humbled yourself to be born of a virgin. Cloaked in human form, you embraced obedience, even to death on the cross. Let an eternal diadem replace the thorns on your brow. Your sacrifice has redeemed us; to you belong glory, honor, power, majesty, dominion, and might, forever and ever!

Equally, most blessed Spirit, you who hovered over chaos and brought forth order, who gave birth to the Son of God in flesh, who ignited our spiritual life. Through your divine energy, we are sanctified and aspire to share in the inheritance of saints in light. To you, too, we offer unending hallelujahs.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Save me from the guilt of bloodshed, God— God of my salvation— and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.” (Psalm 51:14)

Genuine penitents do not resort to euphemisms but come directly to the point, openly acknowledging their sins. What other approach is reasonable before the omniscient? He acknowledges sins more candidly in this verse, yet addresses God with greater confidence. Faith grows through the exercise of prayer.

He recognizes that only the King can remit the penalty of death, and he takes joy in the fact that God is King and the author of his salvation. He vows to sing, even with great fervor, of this righteous way of mercy. Ultimately, it’s the righteousness of divine mercy that is most wondrous.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Hope for Parents of Children Wrestling with LGBT identities*

Parents, our response to our children’s sin can teach us a lot about our own hearts. And we can have a lot of confidence that God is at work for our good through these struggles. This includes our children adopting LGBT identities.

Yes, God is at work is US when our children struggle with LGBT sins.

And we need biblical guidance to explore these things, always remembering God’s mercy to us during this uniquely challenging season.

And a great resource to help parents see this is Shattered Dreams, New Hopes from Harvest USA, a free Bible study curriculum.

This resource offers grace-saturated comfort from God’s Word for parents walking through the trial of a child identifying with the LGBT community.

Here’s what to look forward to…

• Use this study in a group, one-on-one, or on your own
• Understand biblically (not just psychologically/culturally) why your child has adopted this identity
• Find compassion as you navigate this difficult season
• Discover practical guidance for moving toward your child with grace and truth (without driving them away)
• Remember the hope of Christ, powerfully working, even in the darkest of days

If you have a child struggling with an LGBT identity (or someone you know has a child like this), then PLEASE check out this free resource.

Download Shattered Dreams, New Hope from Harvest USA (FREE)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

The faithful, chosen, called, and set apart, unite in eternal praise. Your redeemed children exalt you, O God! As the God of our election, we lift you up for your unchanging love. As the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we bless you for the indescribable gift, the offering of your only-begotten. Words falter; tongues are but clay. Your compassion is divine, and our words cannot ascend to the heights of this extraordinary act of grace.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Then I will teach the rebellious your ways, and sinners will return to you.” (Psalm 51:13)

It is my firm intention to be a teacher to others, and indeed, none instruct others as effectively as those who have personally learned from God. The audience David chooses is significant—he desires to instruct transgressors like himself.

My fall will lead to the recovery of others. You will bless my heartfelt testimony of the restoration of many who, like me, have strayed onto crooked paths. This psalm and the entire story of David have undoubtedly produced fruitful results in the conversion of transgressors, demonstrating how even evil can be turned to good.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Stop living for superficial joys — find true peace in God.

You were created, not to build your own Kingdom, but to seek God’s. And it’s only when we live for THAT Kingdom, that we really start to live.

Recently, I’ve been really helped (and challenged) while reading A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger than You by Paul Tripp. This book will invite you to living an incredible life, serving alongside Jesus, that will set you free from worry, legalism, and more.

Serving God isn’t about giving up your freedom — it’s about being set free to live the amazing purpose that God has for you.

This is an incredible life-giving book that will fill you with desire to know God and serve him with your all.

I hope you’ll buy a copy and read it this summer!

Buy A Quest for More:

• Amazon (Paperback or Kindle editions)
• ChristianBook.com (Paperback edition)

Get a prayer from Spurgeon in your inbox every day. Subscribe to the Pray with Spurgeon newsletter for free.

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

We bow in adoration of your glorious and ever-beloved Name. “All the earth worships you, the everlasting Father.” Heaven radiates with your glory. If only human hearts could be as filled with reverence. May humanity’s noblest creations, whom you placed in the Garden of Eden, for whom the Savior’s blood was shed, love you with their entirety.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Restore the joy of your salvation to me, and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12)

I have experienced salvation and recognized it as your own. I’ve also known the joy that comes from being saved in you, but I’ve lost it for a time. Therefore, I long for its restoration. None but God can restore this joy, but he is capable and willing to do so. This joy follows after pardon and purity. In this order, it’s safe; in any other, it’s presumptuous or delusional.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

God has called you to not fall away; and he is holding onto you.

Today’s verse of the day encouraged us to ask God for restoration and preservation. We have confidence that God would keep us to the end and preserve our faith. We know this to be true — you were saved by grace, you are being kept by grace, and one day, you will be brought home by grace.

And yet, the Bible is full of warnings to not fall away and commands to hold on. Why are we commanded to do what God has promised to do for us? What is the relationship between our persevering and his preserving?

A great book for answering questions like that is Run to Win the Prize: Perseverance in the New Testament by Tom Schreiner. This is an incredible book that will fill you with the hope of Christ and encourage you to stay faithful to him until the very end.

If you are ever worried about losing your salvation, this book will comfort you.
If you are tempted to sin, this book will challenge you.

I know this short, practical, faithful book will encourage you, so I hope you’ll grab a copy today and read it this summer.

Buy Run to Win the Prize:

• Amazon (Paperback or Kindle editions)
• ChristianBook.com (Ebook edition)