Author: Charles Spurgeon

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Revive deep spirituality in the hearts of your own children. Oh, that we might live so near to the great Shepherd as to be familiar with his voice, to know its tones, that so a stranger we may not follow; for we do not know the voice of strangers. If it were possible, they would deceive even the very elect; and how shall your elect be kept from their deceptions but by abiding in the truth, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit?

Oh, revive your church, we pray, in this respect! Give to those who know you intenser faith in the eternal truths, burning into us by experience the things which we do know; may they be beyond all question to us.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” (John 10:3)

Those who are really chosen of God hear and heed the voice of Christ, but those who are not Christ’s chosen ones will not heed his discourse, but will listen to the many voices which attract the ears and the hearts of sinful men. The elect of God are known by this mark, that they hear the voice of Christ. Just as you can find out, in a heap of ashes, whether there are any pieces of steel there by simply thrusting in a magnet, so can you find out God’s chosen people by the mighty magnet of Christ’s voice.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A Great Collection of Christian Biographies (And Bible Commentary!)*

I love to read Christian biographies — to hear about the bravery, faithfulness, and clear doctrine of the leaders, missionaries, and martyrs who have gone before us.

The biographies are one of my favorite features in the Ancient Faith Study Bible — this awesome resource features 25 short biographies of Christians who lived in the first few hundred years of church history.

I’ve been filled with so much joy to read about God’s faithfulness in the lives of people like Augustine, Origen, Patrick of Ireland, John Chrysostom, and Tertullian.

(And by the way, if you don’t know who these guys are, you need to read about them now! Their lives are all incredible testimonies of God’s grace).

The Ancient Faith Study Bible also places early church Bible commentary right alongside the text of Scripture, so that you can learn about these great leaders and then learn from them as you study Scripture together.

This month only,  the Ancient Faith Study Bible is on sale AND “Pray with Spurgeon” subscribers can save an extra $5 on any purchase above $30 by using the code ANCIENTFAITH5.

The Ancient Faith Study Bible has been a HUGE blessing to me, and I know it will bless you as well. I hope you’ll check it out today.

Shop for Ancient Faith Study Bibles now (Lots of color/cover options available!)

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

And as for our sin, we bless you for a sight of the precious blood of Jesus: when you see it you pass over us. No angel of justice smites where once the blood is sprinkled. Oh, let us have a sight of the blood of Jesus, too and rest because you have forever put away our sin, because we believe in Jesus. 

Thus, Lord, help us to stand before you, entering into your rest as we enter into your presence; and may this be a time of peace, wherein the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep the hearts and minds of his people through Christ Jesus.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Run not to man. Go only to your God, the Father of Jesus, who loves you in him. This shall bring you God’s own peace. You shall not be able to understand the peace which you shall enjoy. It will enfold you in its infinite embrace. Heart and mind through Christ Jesus shall be steeped in a sea of rest. Come life or death, poverty, pain, slander, you shall dwell in Jesus above every ruffling wind or darkening cloud. Will you not obey this dear command?

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Apply the truth of the gospel to every day life

Today’s prayer asked God to fill us up with peace by reminding us that Jesus died in our place. We don’t have to worry, because we know that we will never die.

This prayer reminded me of a great book, The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges. In that book, Bridges connects the truth of the gospel to specific situations that we face every day. How should it change our lives this week that Jesus died and rose again for us?

I know that The Gospel for Real Life will help you better understand and enjoy the gospel as it changes every aspect of your life. I hope you’ll buy a copy today.

Buy The Gospel for Real Life:

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

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, we have a burden which we must now lay before you, and ask you to help us in it. We mourn over the condition of your church; for on every side as we look around, we see men endeavoring to undermine the doctrines of the everlasting gospel. Time was when a man was famous for lifting up his axe upon the trees of the forest; but now they with axes break down the carved work of your sanctuary—they despoil your truth. There is scarce a single doctrine of your word which the wise men among us do not deny.

Yes, and those that pretend to be the ministers of the gospel are amongst the first to speak against it, and to denounce it, and to sanction license to sin because you will no more punish it, and to declare that Jesus Christ is not your Son. O Lord God, our heart often sinks within us; we are apt to wish to lay our hand upon the ark to steady it, for the oxen shake it; but we know it is in your hand; and having spread the case before you, we leave it there. O Lord our God, rebuke the unbelief, rebuke the skepticism of those who assail both you and your Christ, and the gospel of your truth.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“When the foolish took their lamps, they didn’t take oil with them;” (Matthew 25:3)

There did not seem to be much difference between them. They were all virgins, they all carried lamps, their lamps were all lit. Perhaps the lamps of the foolish were as bright as those of the wise. The difference was unobservable to most onlookers, but it was an essential and fatal difference. The lack of oil is the ruin of many professing Christians’ lamps. People may appear to have life but lack the true life that is the effectual working of the grace of God within their souls. There is a glitter and flash, but there is no permanency unless the Spirit of God is in us. We may make a fair show in the flesh for a while, but what will be the end of it? This is the all-important question—Can we hold on and hold out? Certainly not without that heavenly oil that only the Spirit of God can supply.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Why one of the best ways to grow your faith is to realize how old it is.*

Earlier in my Christian life, I thought that church history was boring and useless. I didn’t think I could benefit from teachers who lived thousands of years ago, who didn’t know anything about our modern world.

And I was dead wrong.

But the more I learned about church history, the more I realized that it is relevant (Augustine was living for sex and pleasure until God saved him), clarifying (Writings from Leo the Great really brought me to understand the Trinity and worship Christ more truly) and really, really exciting (Ignatius told Christians not to save him from martyrdom, because he trusted God).

Seriously, we have so much to learn from church history. And one great way to benefit from leaders of the early church is the Ancient Faith Study Bible, which places commentary from early church leaders right alongside the text of Scripture.

You can also find biographies of early Christians, explanations of early heresies and major events in church history, and more.

This month only, my friends at Lifeway are offering the Ancient Faith Study Bible at steep discounts. AND “Pray with Spurgeon” subscribers can save an extra $5 on any purchase above $30 by using the code ANCIENTFAITH5.

Whether you are a church history expert or ready to learn more about our Christian ancestors, I know that the Ancient Faith Study Bible will help you better understand the Bible, follow Christ, and love God with all of your heart. I hope you’ll grab a copy today.

Buy the Ancient Faith Study Bible now.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Behold, we come to your throne this morning bearing about with us a body of sin and death, and consequently much of sin, and much of care, and it may be much of sorrow; but we would be unburdened at your mercy-seat now. As for our worries, we are ashamed that we have them, seeing that you care for us. We have trusted you now for many years, and your faithfulness has never been under suspicion, nor your love a matter of question. We therefore leave every concern about our families or about ourselves, about our business, or about our souls, entirely with our God.

And as for our sin, we bless you for a sight of the precious blood of Jesus: when you see it you pass over us. No angel of justice smites where once the blood is sprinkled. Oh, let us have a sight of the blood of Jesus too, and rest because you have put away our sin forever, because we believe in Jesus. 

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34)

Anxiety cannot help you and there is no need for it—therefore do not store up sorrow by being anxious as to the future. Our business is with today: we are only to ask bread day by day, and that only in sufficient abundance for the day’s consumption. To import the possible sorrows of tomorrow into the thoughts of today is an excessive amount of unbelief. When the morning brings sorrow, it will bring strength for that sorrow. Today will require all the vigor we have to deal with its immediate evils; there can be no need to import cares from the future. To load today with trials not yet arrived, would be to overload it. Anxiety is evil, but anxiety about things which have not yet happened is altogether without excuse.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Real Hope for All Your Fears and Anxiety
Real Help to Trust God More

Today we prayed that God would help us to trust EVERYTHING in his hands. He invites us to cast all of our worries and burdens onto him. Unfortunately, dealing with our anxiety isn’t always so easy, is it? We won’t grow past our worries unless we address them with solid biblical truth.

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 specific 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)

O God, most high and glorious, the thought of your infinite serenity has often cheered us; for we are toiling and moiling, troubled and distressed here below, beneath the moon; but you sit forever in perfect happiness. Your designs cause you no care or fear; for you will surely carry them out. Your purposes stand fast as the eternal hills: your power knows no bound, your goodness no stint. You bring order out of confusion, and our defeats are but your victories.

We sow in tears, but you see us reap in joy. Our everlasting happiness is present to you, even while groans and mourning are our present lot. Glory be to the Lord most high, who sits on the clouds, who sits as King forever and ever. Our hearts rejoice to hear the gladsome tidings that the Lord reigns. Let his kingdom be established over the sons of men; for his kingdom must come, and of it there will be no end.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“The LORD reigns! He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed, enveloped in strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be shaken.” (Psalm 93:1)

Whatever opposition may arise, his throne is unmoved; he has reigned, does reign, and will reign forever and ever. Whatever turmoil and rebellion there may be beneath the clouds, the eternal King sits above all in supreme serenity; and everywhere he is really Master, let his foes rage as they may. All things are ordered according to his eternal purposes, and his will is done.

What can give greater joy to a loyal subject than a sight of the king in his beauty? Let us repeat the proclamation, “the Lord reigns,” whispering it in the ears of the desponding, and publishing it in the face of the foe.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

The God who never worries (even when we do)

Today’s prayer praised God because (while we are constantly worried and working), he sits enthroned in perfect peace. This prayer reminded me of an incredible book — None Like Him by Jen Wilkin.

In each chapter, Jen unpacks one of God’s incommunicable attributes — the attributes that make God unlike us — and discusses how knowing each of these attributes of God will change our lives. This is biblical, rich, glorious theology.

The book is structured just like this prayer — exposing one of our shortcomings and showing how God is gloriously more powerful than we are (and why that’s really good news).

None Like Him will fill you with love and amazement at God’s greatness. I know that it will grow your faith. I hope you’ll grab a copy today.

Buy None Like Him:

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

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, convert our friends that still remain unsaved. Oh, mighty power of God, let none come into contact with us, even accidentally and casually, without receiving some devout impression. May the Spirit of God work mightily by our witness. Oh, glorify yourself in us!

Dear Savior, we pray that you would come and mark us all distinctly with the blood mark, as being wholly yours, and henceforth may we say with Paul, “From now on, let no one cause me trouble, because I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17). As we have been buried with you by baptism into death, so would we be dead to all the world and only live for Christ. God grant it may be so, and we will glorify you in life, and death, and forever.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

The operations, therefore, of the Spirit of God forbid that a saved man should live in sin. He is dead; he is raised into newness of life: at the very entrance into the church, in the very act of baptism, he declares that he cannot live as he once did, for he is dead: he declares that he must live after another fashion, for has not he been raised again in the type, and raised again in very deed from the dead?

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Spurgeon’s word to non-Christians — updated in contemporary English

Today we prayed for God to save people that don’t know him, and we saw a challenge in God’s Word that we, dead to sin and alive to God, can no longer live for the approval of the world. These two truths will work together to spur us on in evangelism.

I want to recommend a resource (from Spurgeon himself) that will help you in your evangelism.

This passion for the lost permeated every aspect of Spurgeon’s ministry, and it led him to write a book — All of Grace. A dear friend of mine has updated this classic book in contemporary English to make it more accessible for modern readers.

Reading this book will help you as an evangelist — it is an incredible explanation of the wonder of God’s grace that will leave you amazed and eager to serve! As you read Spurgeon’s appeal to the lost, you will be equipped to share with the lost people you know.

This book is also a great resource to read with a non-Christian you know. Buy a copy for someone you know and ask to discuss it together. Especially as we approach Easter, the non-believers around you may be more willing than ever to discuss spiritual topics. You’ll be surprised how eager non-Christians will be to read this book!

Reading All of Grace will bless you in so many ways. I hope you’ll grab a copy of this newly updated edition.

Buy All of Grace:

• Amazon (Kindle editions)

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Bless at this time very graciously the church to which we belong. Let us in this place know the power of prayer today and tomorrow: especially pour out upon the members of this church an intense spirit of supplication. May we agonize tomorrow for the glory of God, and today also, and let it not depart from us so long as we live. Send us, Lord, a mighty ground swell of intense desire for the glory of God, and may we, your servants, banded together in church fellowship, recognize our sweet obligations to our dying Lord, and determine that the prayers of the church shall go up before him like sweet perfume.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

When the heart is washed, the dirt is taken from the mental eyes. The heart that loves God is connected with an understanding that perceives God. There is no way of seeing God until the heart is renewed by sovereign grace. It is not greatness of intellect but purity of affection that enables us to see God.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Study the Bible with the Early Church*

Christianity is not new. One of the incredible things about studying the early church is to read sermons and books written by people who believe the same gospel and the same doctrines that we believe — 2,000 years ago. While the world has changed, cultures have changed, kingdoms have fallen and risen, the Christian message is unchanged.

Because we believe the same gospel, we have a lot that we can learn from leaders of the early church. And that’s why I love the Ancient Faith Study Bible — a resource that places commentary from early church leaders right alongside the text of Scripture.

This resource gives you valuable insight from leaders and theologians like Augustine, Origen, Tertullian, and more.

Whether you know all about those leaders or you’ve never heard their names, I’m confident that the Ancient Faith Study Bible will grow your faith and deepen your love for God and his Word.

There are hundreds of study notes from early church leaders, articles by ancient and modern authors, 25 short biographies that will inspire you to serve Christ with boldness, and more.

This month only, my friends at Lifeway are offering the Ancient Faith Study Bible at steep discounts. AND “Pray with Spurgeon” subscribers can save an extra $5 on any purchase above $30 by using code ANCIENTFAITH5.

The Ancient Faith Study Bible and grow your understanding of Scripture and your confidence in God’s unchanging gospel. I hope you’ll check it out.

Shop for the Ancient Study Bible on Lifeway.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Let no believer violate the chastity of his heart to the Beloved of his soul. O Jesus, let us love you so intensely, that whatever else there may be of loving relationship, still this may cover all and swallow up all. Oh, to be wholly Christ’s! We do mourn that we cannot reach to this—that in the secret of our hearts every devil should be cast out, every demon driven to its deep, every sin made hateful, every thought of sin made loathsome to us, until only pure desires and inward longings after perfect holiness shall predominate in our nature. O God, let the scourge still be used to drive out the buyers and sellers: we would not ask to have them spared, but let the temple be the Lord’s, seeing he has built it and has cleansed it with his blood.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)

This is the voice of unalterable truth. In none of the Jewish ceremonies were sins, even typically, removed without blood-shedding. In no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without atonement. It is clear, then, that there is no hope for me out of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding which is worth a thought as an atonement for sin. Am I, then, believing in him? Is the blood of his atonement truly applied to my soul? All men are on a level as to their need of him. If we are very moral, generous, amiable, or patriotic, the rule will not be altered to make an exception for us. Sin will yield to nothing less potent than the blood of him whom God has set forth as a propitiation. What a blessing that there is the one way of pardon! Why should we seek another?

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

God’s Plan to Rid You of Sin and Make you Like Jesus

Today, we prayed that God would help us be totally dedicated to Christ. This is an important prayer, because God doesn’t just want to save you from hell and leave you alone — he has a plan to redeem everything about you. He wants to rescue you from sin and bring you into a new life of loving and serving him.

To every Christian, that sounds amazing. We all want to be more like Christ and we all want to stop sinning, but there is a lot of confusion about how that happens. How will God change our lives?

That’s the point of Matt Chandler’s book, Recovering Redemption: A Gospel-Saturated Perspective on Change. This book explains the incredible work that God is going to do in your life to redeem everything about you.

This book will fill you with thankfulness and amazement at God’s work to save you from the penalty and power of sin every day. It will also help you understand your role in fighting sin.

This is a don’t-miss book to help make you more like Jesus. I hope you’ll grab one today.

Buy Recovering Redemption:

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

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Above all, cast cords of love around our hearts. Oh, hold us, Savior, never let us go! Suffer no professed Christian here ever to violate the loyalty of his obedience to his King. May those dear wounds of his have more sway over us than ever silver scepter had over the subjects of earthly princes. May we feel that if he drank for us the vinegar and gall, whatever cup he sets before us we will cheerfully drink. Rule us, Savior, rule us, we ask Thee. 

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38–39)

Paul was persuaded of four things. First, that God loves us. Second, that God has shown his love to us by the gift of his Son Jesus Christ. Third, his divine love comes streaming down to us because we are in Christ and we are loved for his sake. Fourth, nothing can ever break the bond of love between God and those who are in his Son, Christ Jesus our Lord.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

God is at work in your trials. Learn more from Spurgeon

Today we prayed, asking God to preserve us. To give us faith, even when we are surrounded by trials. When we are overwhelmed by trials, we must hold fast to our God.

Spurgeon knew that suffering was an important experience in the Christian life, which is why he preached about it so often. If you want to learn Spurgeon’s biblical wisdom on trials, check out Spurgeon on Suffering: Reflections on Our Pain and God’s Grace. This is a collection of 12 classic sermons on trials, suffering, and perseverance.

I put this collection together to help suffering Christians (which is all of us!) find a deeper, more biblical hope through the worst of our trials. I know that this book will encourage you.

(Plus, buying a copy of this book is a great way to support this ministry, so I can continue to send out a newsletter each day)

Buy Spurgeon on Suffering:

• Amazon (Paperback or Kindle editions)

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Set up your eternal throne in our hearts, “Wean our heart from every creature, you to love, and you alone.” We do pray this with our whole hearts; and assist us, we pray most blessed Redeemer, to show forth your praises in our lives.

Sanctify us in our households. May we go in and out before you showing the name and nature of Christ. Help us in our business, that in all we do among our fellow men we may act as Christ would have us act. Strengthen us in secret; there may we be mighty in prayer. Guard us in public, that neither in act nor word we may slip away from you.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19)

I know many people—that is to say, I have seen them in the streets and they tip their hats to me, and I do the same to them. And thus I know them. This is a slender form of knowledge, yet I fear it is the kind of knowledge most people have of Christ. Even such a knowledge as comes by trembling faith is a knowledge that saves. But I will tell you the people I know best. They live with me in my own house. I see them every day. I am on the most familiar terms with them, and this is the knowledge here intended.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Church history is valuable (Seriously, it’s really important)*

Church history is important. Because we’re not the first people alive who have studied God’s Word. For 2,000 years, the church has studied Scripture, trusted God’s promises, fought against heresies and false teaching, defended the faith, preached the gospel, and applied the Bible to everyday life.

When we read church history, we get to benefit from some of the greatest thinkers, leaders, apologists, and pastors who have ever lived.

And all of these reasons are why I love the Ancient Faith Study Bible. These incredible Bibles place commentary from early church leaders right alongside the text of Scripture — so that the early church can help you along the way as you ready, study, understand, and apply God’s Word.

When you read the study notes in the Ancient Faith Study Bible, you know that you’re receiving reliable, time-tested guidance into the truth of God’s Word. The commentary is so helpful and will challenge you to live out our ancient faith today.

This month only, my friends at Lifeway are offering the Ancient Faith Study Bible at steep discounts. AND “Pray with Spurgeon” subscribers can save an extra $5 on any purchase above $30 by using code ANCIENTFAITH5.

I’ve already benefited so much from the Ancient Faith Study Bible, so I hope you’ll grab one today.

Buy the Ancient Faith Study Bible on Lifeway.com