Category: Pray with Spurgeon

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

O Lord God, we have felt that we could well trust you with a boundless sovereignty, and we do. You are so good, so kind, so just, so holy, that no mistake is possible to you. You are the fountain and source of all law: what you command, it is ours to obey.

We have heard the thunder of that sentence, “who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?” (Romans 9:20); and in meekness of heart and lowliness of spirit, we bow before the infinite glory of your majesty, and it is to us the most joyful of all songs, “The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coasts and islands be glad” (Psalm 97:1).

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” (Psalm 26:1)

Faith is the root and sap of integrity. He who leans upon the Lord is sure to walk in righteousness. Faith will work hard for the Lord, and in the Lord’s way, but she refuses so much as to lift a finger to fulfill the devices of unrighteous cunning.

Rebecca acted out a great falsehood in order to fulfill the Lord’s decree in favor of Jacob—this was unbelief; but Abraham left the Lord to fulfill his own purposes, and took the knife to slay his son—this was faith. Faith trusts God to accomplish his own decrees. Why should I steal when God has promised to supply my need? Why should I avenge myself when I know that the Lord has espoused my cause? Confidence in God is a most effective security against sin.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

You need a dictionary (Seriously, you need a dictionary)

Definitions are important. When reading a book or listening to teaching, we can’t learn or apply anything if we don’t know the words an author or speaker is using.

The Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms by Gregg Allison is an invaluable resource for theological studies, offering clear definitions for the most important words for understanding the Bible and theology. This is an incredible resource for looking up new words that you don’t know and for getting a quick refresher on various theological positions.

Buy The Baker Compact Dictionary of Theological Terms on Amazon in 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)

The Lord grant, that we may all of us have not only faith in Christ, but full assurance of faith, whereby we shall trust, for the present and for the future, everything in those dear hands that were nailed to the cross for us.

Help your children to perform an act of faith today, by leaving all their troubles aside and coming close to their Lord. He has sweat great drops for us, and now you bid your own children to cease therefrom, even as of old you bade the priests to wear no garment that caused sweat, because they were to find rest in your service, and peace in the performance of their holy duties. Even so, may your people do.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” (Psalm 26:1)

He held integrity as his principle, and walked in it as his practice. David had not used any traitorous or unrighteous means to gain the crown or to keep it; he was conscious of having been guided by the noblest principles of honor in all his actions with regard to Saul and his family.

What a comfort it is to have the approbation of one’s own conscience! If there be peace within the soul, the blustering storms of slander which howl around us are of little consideration. When the little bird in my bosom sings a merry song, it is no matter to me if a thousand owls hoot at me from without.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Answering Life’s Big Questions with the Bible’s Big Story

Why does the earth exist? What is the purpose of human life? Those are the questions that T. Desmond Alexander seeks to answer in his book From Eden to the New Jerusalem: An Introduction to Biblical Theology.

According to the book, the answer to those big questions is found in the grand, overarching story of the Bible.

Whether you’re new to biblical theology (studying the Bible as a whole) or a seasoned veteran, From Eden to the New Jerusalem will be a blessing to you. Keeping an eye on the Bible’s big story is a helpful tool for making the most of your Bible reading plan this year.

Buy From Eden to the New Jerusalem on Amazon in 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)

As the hymn says, “Thou, O Christ, art all we want; More than all in Thee we find.” Oh, let us never mistrust you, blessed Son of God. May we have no doubt about your Father’s love—no suspicion as to the love of the Spirit; but may we rejoice in God by Jesus Christ, through whom also we have received the atonement (Romans 5:11). May we come to anchor, and, casting anchor in the port of peace, may we never be troubled again about that question, but be able to say “My Father,” with an unfaltering lip.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Vindicate me, Lord, because I have lived with integrity and have trusted in the Lord without wavering.” (Psalm 26:1)

A solemn appeal to the just tribunal of the heart-searching God, warranted by the circumstances of the writer, so far as regarded the particular offences with which he was wrongly charged. Worried and worn out by the injustice of men, the innocent spirit flies from its false accusers to the throne of Eternal Right.

He had need have a clear case who dares to carry his suit into the King’s Bench of heaven. Such an appeal as this is not to be rashly made on any occasion; and as to the whole of our walk and conversation, it should never be made at all, except as we are Justified in Christ Jesus: a far more fitting prayer for a sinful mortal is the petition, “Do not bring your servant into judgment” (Psalm 143:2).

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Weekly Resource Roundup

Here are all of the resources we’ve shared together this week. I hope you’ll consider supporting these authors and their ministries:

• None Like Him by Jen Wilkin — Be amazed by our great God. (Paperback or Kindle)
• The Peacemaker by Ken Sande — Be equipped to address conflict in a biblical way. (Paperback or Kindle)
• Emblems of the Infinite King — Teach the wonder and grandeur of God to children, ages 7–13, in this stunning, beautiful book. (Hardback)
• Spurgeon on Suffering: Reflections on our Pain and God’s Grace — My new book! 12 classic Spurgeon sermons to give you Christ-centered hope in the midst of suffering. (Paperback or Kindle)

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

May we come away from doubting and fearing and hesitating, and may we believe. Oh, for the faith which trusts the bare promise of God! Let us not be asking for signs and wonders, and withholding faith because these are not given to us; but whatsoever we find in your Word, may we believe it to be sure truth, and hang our souls upon it.

Above all things, give us grace to trust in Jesus, in the full atonement made, and the utmost ransom paid. “He is all my salvation and all my desire” (2 Samuel 23:5), may we each one be able to say this of him, who “of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me.” (Matthew 5:11)

Persecution of the tongue is more common, but not less cruel than that of the hand. Slander is unscrupulous, and indulges in accusations of every kind: “every kind of evil” is a comprehensive phrase. No crime is too base to be laid at the door of the innocent; nor will the persecutor have any hesitation as to the vileness of the charge. The rule seems to be, “Throw plenty of mud, and some of it will stick.”

Under this very grievous trial, good men are to be more than ordinarily happy. The honor of suffering with the prophets, for the Lord’s sake, is so great, that it may well reconcile us to all that it involves. Our joy and gladness are to exceed all ordinary bounds.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Teach the wonder of God to children

The best strategy for protecting our children from false teaching is to teach them theology. Theology, properly taught, will awaken wonder and awe in any child’s heart.

A great resource for teaching theology to children (ages 7-13) is Emblems of the Infinite King. The book describes crucial, biblical doctrines about God with beautiful text and stunning illustrations. I love reading this book to my kids, but I also love reading it on my own. 🤓

Awaken your children to the wonder of God and invite them to approach his throne with fear and trembling through Emblems of the Infinite King.

Buy Emblems of the Infinite King on Amazon.

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, our faith is in you; our expectation is from you; our love goes out towards you: we believe you; we accept every word of your sacred revelation as being eternal verity and immutable truth.

Sometimes we are troubled to know whether the promises are for us—whether we really have a share in covenant blessings; but we thank you that you have helped many of us to hold a trial in the court of conscience, and since our heart condemns us not we have confidence towards God (1 John 3:21). Let this be the portion of all your children.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10)

This is the peculiar blessing of the elect of God, and it stands high up in the list of honor. The only homage which wickedness can pay to righteousness is to persecute it. Those who in the first blessing were poor in spirit, are here despised as well as poverty-stricken; and in this they get a new royal charter, which for the second time ensures to them “the kingdom of heaven.”

Yes, they have the kingdom now: it is theirs in present possession. Not because of any personal fault, but simply on account of their godly character, the Lord’s Daniels are hated: but they are blessed by that which looks like a curse. Ishmael mocks Isaac; but nevertheless Isaac has the inheritance, and Ishmael is cast out. It is a gift from God to be allowed to suffer for his name. So may we be helped to rejoice in Christ’s cross when we are honored by being reviled for his name’s sake.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Have strength while suffering with Christ

Today’s verse makes clear that Christians should expect suffering. It’s not something that we can avoid as long as we live in this fallen world. We willsuffer and God calls us to persevere.

Spurgeon is full of wisdom of persevering through suffering. Recently, I compiled a list of his best sermons on trials, pain, and suffering and put them together in a book: Spurgeon on Suffering.

Learn how to cling to God in faith through your trials in this collection of sermons. I hope it’s a blessing to you.

Buy Spurgeon on Suffering on Amazon in 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)

Let your kingdom come, great God, yes, let it come speedily. It does not trouble us to think that Christ shall come; it is indeed our joy. Make no tarrying, oh our Lord! But, meanwhile make us watchful, earnest, active; and may we be as good servants who are ready for action, and whose lamps are trimmed. May we wait for the Master until he comes.

Now give a blessing this morning: we come back to that prayer of ours—a blessing to each one. Bless me, even me, also, O my Father! The prayer is offered in the name of Jesus Christ the Mediator.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

They are not only passively peaceful, like the meek, who keep the peace; but actively peaceful by endeavouring to end wars and contentions, and so make peace. These not only are the children of the peace-loving God, but they come to be called so; for men are struck by their likeness to their Father. Hereby is our sonship known to ourselves and others. Men of peace are the children of the God of peace, and their Father’s blessing rests on them.

This seventh beatitude is a very high and glorious one; let us all endeavour to obtain it. Never let us be peace-breakers; evermore let us be peacemakers. Yet must we not cry “peace, peace, where there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:11). The verse before this speaks of purity, and this of peace. First pure, then peaceable: this is God’s order, and it should be ours.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

How to live as a peacemaker

Today’s verse makes clear that God calls his people to be peacemakers, but in an increasingly divided world, it is hard for prideful sinners like us to resolve and avoid conflict.

That’s why The Peacemaker by Ken Sande is such a valuable resource. This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and addressing conflict in a biblical way.

The Bible has all the wisdom we need to prevent and resolve conflict — in our marriages, in our homes, in our workplaces, in our churches — and The Peacemaker is a great guide to the Bible’s teaching on this important topic.

Buy The Peacemaker on Amazon in 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)

Prosper us in the enterprises to which we set our hands. Bless our young men that go forth from us to preach the Word. Blessed is the man that has his quiver full of them.

May there be many such reared up in this church that shall preach Christ crucified. Give to the church more and more the spirit of evangelization; and may many young men in the church, that are now sitting still and quiet, be moved to preach even in the streets, the unsearchable riches of Christ.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

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

Foul hearts make dim eyes God-ward. To clear the eye we must cleanse the heart. Only purity has any idea of God, or any true vision of him.

It is a great reward to be able to see God; and, on the other hand, it is of great help towards being pure in heart to have a true sight of the thrice-holy One. There are no pure hearts on earth unless the Lord has made them so, and none shall see God in heaven who have not been purified by grace while here below. Lord, create in me a clean heart, that I may behold you, both now and forever!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Be amazed by our great God.

Our view of God is much too small, much too tame. The Bible reveals a ravishing, glorious, fear-inspiring, awesome picture of the God who created all things and sits in the heavens. If you want to better understand God’s glorious infinity, read 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.

Buy None Like Him now on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, or audiobook editions.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Now, with a full heart, we desire to praise you for the continual increase which you make to our church. You have refreshed our soul by the testimonies of many that have lately found the Savior.

Blessed be the Lord, the Holy Spirit, who has not suffered the word to fall to the ground; but who has added to the church daily of such as shall be saved. Lord, continue this great favor. Stir up our dear brethren and sisters to continual prayer for a blessing. May the fire on this altar never go out; but as we have enjoyed, these many years, an unexampled prosperity, oh, that we might continue to enjoy it still, unworthy though we be. Still, Lord, help us in every holy word and work.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

They forgive, and they are forgiven. They judge charitably, and they shall not be condemned. They help the needy, and they shall be helped in their need. What we are to others, God will be to us. Some have to labour hard in order to be kind; but the blessing lies not only in doing a merciful act, but in being merciful in disposition.

Followers of Jesus must be men of mercy; for they have found mercy, and mercy has found them. As we look for “mercy of the Lord in that day”, we must show mercy in this day.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Spurgeon’s answers for your pressing questions

I’ve been blessed and encouraged by the Ask Spurgeon podcast, narrated by Dave Holdt. Each episode of the podcast answers a simple question using passages from Spurgeon’s writing.

Here are a few recent ones: What is the first qualification for serving God? How can a preacher attract people to Christ and grow his church? What does God have to say in this pandemic?

Spurgeon’s wisdom has answers for your questions and the Ask Spurgeon podcast is a great resource!

Find Ask Spurgeon wherever you listen to podcasts.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, have great mercy upon such as are ignorant of Christ, and therefore sin, but know not what they do. Let them become trophies of your wondrous love. Gather them in; oh, gather them in today.

We do pray for all who are out of the way, for those who remain unsaved. Lord, let them not die in their sins. Have mercy upon some that have had a godly training, but remain ungodly. Oh, condemn them not, we pray, with such a mass of guilt upon them; but save them yet.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)

They are not full of their own righteousness, but long for more and more of that which comes from above. They pine to be right themselves both with God and man, and they long to see righteousness have the upper hand all the world over.

Such is their longing for goodness, that it would seem as if both the appetites of “hunger and thirst” were concentrated in their one passion for righteousness. Where God works such an insatiable desire, we may be quite sure that he will satisfy it; yes, fill it to the brim.

In contemplating the righteousness of God, the righteousness of Christ, and the victory of righteousness in the latter days, we are more than filled. In the world to come the satisfaction of the “man of desires” will be complete. Nothing here below can fill an immortal soul; and since it is written, “They shall be filled,” we look forward with joyful confidence to a heaven of holiness with which we shall be satisfied eternally.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Learn the peace of God in the midst of suffering from Spurgeon

Suffering is unavoidable in this life. We will face storms, trials, and pain as we walk through life on this fallen earth. Suffering is unavoidable, so we must be trained to approach it biblically.

Charles Spurgeon had a very clear understanding of how God is at work in our suffering, and he frequently shared that wisdom in his preaching and writing.

I’ve recently put together a book, Spurgeon on Suffering, collecting some of Spurgeon’s best sermons on suffering and trials into one collection. The sermons are unedited and unabridged. I am confident that they will encourage you towards godliness.

Buy Spurgeon on Suffering on Amazon in 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)

Editor’s Note: Spurgeon prayed this prayer for the Queen of England before preaching in 1877. Today, in the midst of so much division around the globe, these words are fit to pray for Joe Biden and all world leaders, in obedience to 1 Timothy 2:1–3.

As you have bidden us pray for all men, so we now especially pray for our beloved country. May every blessing rest upon this favored isle. Upon the Queen let your mercies always descend. Keep this land in peace we beseech you; and as for all other lands, may peace yet reign.

May oppression in every place be broken to shivers, and may truth and righteousness win the day. Break in pieces the power of Antichrist, we pray Thee, and of the false prophet; and let the idols fall from their thrones, and may the Lord God Omnipotent yet reign, even Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords. We ask it all in His name.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

They are lowly-minded, and are ready to give up their portion in the earth; therefore it shall come back to them. They neither boast, nor contend, nor exult over others, yet are they heirs of all the good which God has created on the face of the earth.

In their meekness they are like their King, and they shall reign with him. The promised land is for the tribes of the meek: before them the Canaanites shall be driven out. He has the best of this world who thinks least of it, and least of himself.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

New Book: Spurgeon on Suffering: Reflections on God’s Grace and Our Pain

Yesterday I shared the exciting news that I’ve put together another book of Spurgeon sermons — Spurgeon on Suffering, a collection of 12 classic sermons on trials, tribulation, sorrow, and suffering.

I’ve learned so much about suffering from Spurgeon. In the midst of his own suffering he found great hope in the risen Lord Jesus. Reading his reflections on suffering will encourage you to also find hope in Christ alone.

Buy Spurgeon on Suffering on Amazon in paperback or Kindle editions.