Category: Pray with Spurgeon

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

As you are attentive to our prayers, we intercede for this poor world in which we live. Often, it horrifies us. Lord, we sometimes wish we were ignorant of its affairs for our own comfort. We have said, “Oh, for a dwelling in some vast wilderness.” We hear of oppression, robbery, murder, and the unchecked aggression among people. Lord, have mercy on this great and wicked city. What can be done with these millions? What can we do? At the very least, help each of your children to do their utmost. May none of us contribute to evil, either directly or indirectly, but may we contribute to the good that exists in it.

We believe we can speak with you about the sinful state of our world, for when your servant Abraham stood before you and spoke with remarkable familiarity, he pleaded for Sodom; and we plead for our city. We wish to follow the example of the Father of the faithful and pray for all great cities, as well as for all nations.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.” (Psalm 46:2–3)

With God on our side, fear would be irrational. Where he is present, there is all-encompassing power and love. Why, then, should we be afraid? This verse depicts the most terrifying upheavals imaginable, encompassing the overthrow of dynasties, the destruction of nations, the ruin of families, the persecution of the church, the reign of heresy, and any other trial that may test the faith of believers. In the worst-case scenario, the child of God should never succumb to mistrust, for as long as God remains faithful, there can be no danger to his cause or his people.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Free Gift for Children’s Ministry Leaders*

If we invest in the Christian formation of children, we are investing seeds that will (by grace) bear fruit for generations to come. The truths that we teach will be treasured for a lifetime (and passed on to the NEXT generation).

This is a big responsibility. It’s crucial that we strive for faithfulness in this work.

Thankfully, we don’t have to do it alone. God has blessed us with some incredible resources to strengthen the children’s ministry of YOUR church.

One great resource is the curricula from Truth78.

Truth78 has sought to create resources to help you teach children in your church “the whole counsel of God’s Word.” These are not just the most popular Bible stories — this is a robust unfolding of the grand story of Scripture.

Church leaders can even subscribe to Truth78+ to get unlimited access to Truth78’s digital library. (And if you use code SPURGEON, you can save 10% on your subscription.)

AND IT GETS EVEN BETTER!
Because this month, Truth78 wants to give YOUR church 23 weeks of FREE lessons. These are classroom and take-home resources ranging from kindergarten to seventh grade.

These resources will bless your church for generations to come!

Click here to download these 23 FREE LESSONS now.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

May every breath be for you; may every minute be spent for you. Help us to live while we live, and while we are engaged in the world as we must be, for we are called to it, may we sanctify the world for your service. May we be like salt in the midst of society. May our spirit, temperament, and conversation be heavenly, exerting an influence that makes the world a better place before we depart from it. Lord, hear us in this matter.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

He never withdraws himself from his afflicted. He is their help, truly, effectually, constantly; he is present or near them, close at their side and ready for their support. He is closer than even the trouble itself. To all this comfortable truth is added the consideration that his assistance comes at the needed time. He is not as the swallows that leave us in the winter; he is a friend in need and a friend indeed.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

God is patient. It’s time to learn why.

If you’re looking for a great summer reading book that will leave you refreshed, you need to check out Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund. This book is an absolutely stunning picture of God’s grace to us in Christ. It will fill you up with confidence to know that God will always be patient, because that’s who he is.

I’ve been moved to tears several times while reading this book and seeing the stunningly beautiful and thoroughly biblical picture of Christ’s love for his people. The book is great reading for any sinning and suffering Christian (which is all of us!)

I hope you’ll grab a copy and read it this summer. I promise that you won’t regret it!

Buy Gentle and Lowly:

• Amxazon (Hardcover, Kindle, or audiobook* edition)
• ChristianBook.com (Hardcover or ebook edition)

*Get the audiobook for free — click here to learn more.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, sanctify us. May your Spirit come and permeate every aspect of our being, subduing every passion and utilizing every power of our nature for obedience to God.

Come, Holy Spirit, we know you well; you have overshadowed us many times. Come, take full possession of us. As we stand here, feeling that we are right at the mercy seat, our highest prayer is for perfect holiness, complete consecration, and total cleansing from all evil. Take our hearts, heads, hands, and feet, and use us entirely for your purposes. Lord, take our resources; let us not hoard them for ourselves or spend them on ourselves. Take our abilities; let us not pursue education to gain reputation for wisdom, but may every mental achievement serve the purpose of serving you better.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

Others vaunt their impregnable castles, placed on inaccessible rocks and secured with gates of iron, but God is a far better refuge from distress than all these, and when the time comes to carry the war into the enemy’s territories, the Lord stands his people in better stead than all the valor of legions or the boasted strength of chariot and horse. Soldiers of the cross, remember this, and count yourselves safe, and make yourselves strong in God.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Solid Truths to Boost Your Faith in God

Many Christians act as if the only way to remove doubt and increase faith is by simply ignoring the genuine questions that we have about Christ or the Bible.

But Christ invites us to a better way — to really seek after the truth, even when we have questions and doubts, because we know that his Word has solid, truthful answers for us. You have no question that God is not able to answer.

A great resource for finding answers to some of the questions that you have is Truth Matters: Confident Faith in a Confusing World by Andreas Köstenberger, Darrell Bock, and Josh Chatraw. This book answers some of the most pressing questions for the truthfulness of Christianity and the reliability of the Bible with faithful, thorough, and easy-to-understand answers.

If you read this book, I am confident that it will increase your faith and equip you to better defend Christianity to others.

Buy Truth Matters:

• Amazon (Hardback or Kindle editions)
• ChristianBook.com (Hardback or ebook edition)

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

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (BY SPURGEON)

Gracious God, preserved by your goodness, we are permitted to come up to your house. We desire here to pay our vows in the midst of your people. We hail Sunday as a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable. We delight to find ourselves in the place where prayer is frequently offered, and we humbly hope that this day our supplications will be heard in heaven.

Let our praise be accepted at the throne and that there will be for each of us a portion of meat in due season. Oh for the sprinkling of the Holy Spirit upon every plant of the Lord’s right-hand planting. Let every soul be nourished in this house today. As trees planted in the courts of the Lord, so may we flourish and bring forth fruit.

Amen.

WIN (A LOT OF) FREE BOOKS

Thanks to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College for sponsoring the Weekend Edition.

This month, its #MBTSBooks Month. Midwestern is giving away a book written by their faculty EVERY DAY. They’re also giving away one complete set of the Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon (7 incredible volumes).

Learn everything you need to know right here.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

Something Worth Seeking

If we are first of all seeking the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, it will be safe to trust us with wealth, and it will be equally safe to trust us with none at all. Having grasped the nobler thing, we shall neither be over-balanced if we gain, nor despairing if we lose. So I leave with you both the precept and the promise of the text: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” May this be true of all of you, dear friends, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake! Amen.

Read the full sermon from the Spurgeon Center for Biblical Preaching at Midwestern Seminary.

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

What is Biblical Theology?

The Theology in the Everyday series seeks to introduce and explain theological concepts in 500 words or less, with a 200-word section helping explain the doctrine to kids. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONLINE SEMINARY TRAINING

Online seminary can give you an opportunity to train for ministry without leaving your current ministry context. Wherever you serve, you can prepare online at Midwestern Seminary.

If you’re interested in learning more about online seminary, you will definitely want to be a part of their online Preview Day this week — Thursday, July 20 at 1 p.m. central time.

You’ll get to explore their online programs and ask your questions to faculty and admissions staff.

Click here to sign up now.

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, we are exceedingly weak. Most of all, we are wicked when left to ourselves, and we easily fall prey to the enemy. Therefore, help us. We confess that sometimes, even in prayer when we are closest to you, evil thoughts or wicked desires intrude upon us. Oh, what poor simpletons we are. Lord, help us. We feel compelled to draw even nearer to you now, to hide under the shadow of your wings. We wish to be completely lost in God. We pray that you may live in us, that we may no longer live, but Christ may live in us, revealing himself through us.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Righteous Father, the world has not known you. However, I have known you, and they have known that you sent me. I made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love you have loved me with may be in them and I may be in them.” (John 17:25–26)

At this point, the doctrine becomes a matter of experience. May we never be at rest until we fully experience it—that the very love God bestows upon Christ may be found in our hearts, poured out by the Holy Spirit. Amen.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Robust Bible Teaching (for the KIDS in your church!)*

Kids need to hear the FULL truth of God’s Word. They need to know the love of God AND the justice of God. They need to know the Old Testament AND the New. They need to know that Christ is fully man AND fully God.

Thankfully, my friends at Truth78 have put together some really incredible resources to help teachers and church leaders teach the Bible to kids.

Truth78 curricula present children with a glorious view of God. These resources present robust theology in an engaging, relevant, and fun way for kids of all ages. We pray that your kids will leave their Sunday school or children’s ministry time AMAZED at God and the wonders of his grace.

If you are involved in children’s ministry in any capacity, Truth78 has a FREE GIFT for you! They are giving away 23 free lessons for kindergarten through seventh grade.

This is a great way to preview their robust, Bible-saturated curricula (and it will also give you some great resources to use in your classrooms right away!)

Click here to download these 23 FREE LESSONS now.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

As we draw close to you, to the light that shines between the wings of the cherubim, we speak with you as a person speaks with their friends. Our God, we belong to you. You belong to us. We are now engaged in a single purpose, united for one battle. Your battle is our battle, and our fight is yours. Help us, we pray. Just as you strengthened Michael and his angels to cast out the dragon and his angels, help us, poor flesh and blood, so that the word may also be fulfilled in us: “The Lord will crush Satan under your feet shortly.”

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they will see my glory, which you have given me because you loved me before the world’s foundation.” (John 17:24)

This is Christ’s final will and testament: “Father, I want.” It is not only his prayer but also one clause in his will. He declares that all those given to him by the Father should be with him to witness his glory. And it will be so, beloved. He will not lose a single one of his own. He will never release from his dear pierced hand any portion of the eternal gift from his Father.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Trust in God’s preserving, purifying power through all of your suffering

Today, we prayed with great confidence that God would protect us, no matter what battle we face. We can trust God through ANY trial, because he has promised to preserve his people. God is at work in your suffering to preserve you and to purify you.

This was one of the major themes in Spurgeon’s teaching on suffering, but it was not all he had to say on the topic. Spurgeon learned supernatural wisdom from God’s Word and from his own pain on how to address our suffering in a God-glorifying, hopeful way.

Spurgeon’s teaching on suffering is very useful, so I compiled a brief collection of it in a short book, Spurgeon on Suffering. This book contains 12 classic sermons from Spurgeon on suffering, pain, and God’s grace through it all.

I hope you’ll buy a copy today, and I hope it will bless you.

(As a side note, purchasing a copy is a great way to support this ministry so that I can continue to send this daily newsletter!)

Buy Spurgeon on Suffering on Amazon (Paperback or Kindle edition)

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord Jesus, remove anything that hinders the closest communion with God. Take away any desires or wishes that might hinder us in prayer, we implore You. Erase any memories of sorrow or cares that might obstruct our affections from fully focusing on our God.

What do we have to do with idols anymore? You have seen and observed us. You know where the difficulty lies. Help us overcome it, and may we now approach boldly, not only into the holy place but into the holiest of all, where we would not dare to enter if our great Lord had not rent the veil, sprinkled the mercy seat with his own blood, and invited us to come.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us, so that the world may believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” (John 17:21–23)

This is an incredible statement. Does the Father love his people as he loves Christ? Then his love for them must be without beginning, without change, without measure, and without end. Oh, it would enrapture your heart, carrying you away to the very heights of heaven, if you could fully grasp the meaning of this phrase: “and have loved them even as you have loved me”!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

FREE Children’s Ministry Resources for Your Church*

Children’s ministry is not “childcare.” In many of our churches, the children’s ministry is the highest concentration of lost people in the entire church! We believe that God is going to work in the lives of these children for his glory.

If you’re involved in children’s ministry (in any capacity), you should be familiar with the curricula from Truth78 (formerly Children Desiring God).

Here are a few of the things that make Truth78 curricula unique:

• Lessons are available for all ages (nursery through high school)
• Places God at the center of every lesson
• Explores Scripture passages and teaches Bible study skills
• Relates a comprehensive view of the gospel, showing the extent of the problem of sin and glorious grace of God in sending Jesus to redeem us
• Encourages personal application

Truth78 has also recently released Truth78+, where church leaders can subscribe to get unlimited access to their full library of discipleship resources.

And here’s some REALLY great news!

Truth78 is offering 23 lessons from their incredible curriculum FOR FREE.

This is 23 FULL lessons (including lesson plans, activities, crafts, games, object lessons, and more) for kindergarten–7th grade.

If you’re a pastor or ministry leader, I really recommend you grab these free lessons. They WILL be a blessing to your church!

Click here to download these 23 FREE LESSONS now.

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, come and grant rest to your children now. Remove the helmet from our brows, take off the weight of our heavy armor for a while, and allow us to experience peace, perfect peace, and be at rest. Oh, help us, we pray, in this moment. Just as you have already cleansed your people in the fountain filled with blood and made them clean, now wash us from any defilement in the water. O Master, wash our feet once again. It will greatly refresh us and prepare us for intimate fellowship with you. Just as the priests washed before entering the holy place, we too desire to be cleansed.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“I sanctify myself for them, so that they also may be sanctified by the truth. “I pray not only for these, but also for those who believe in me through their word.” (John 17:19–20)

Thank God that he will bless our message as well as his own Word! When our message is based on his Word, when we simply explain what Christ has given us to say, then people will believe in him through our message.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Finding peace in the Prince of Peace

We live in a broken, sin-cursed, fallen world. We desperately need the Prince of Peace to come and redeem us, to make his blessing known as far as the curse is found.

In our salvation, this cosmic redemption is already breaking in. Christ is already at work in our hearts to free us from the curse of sin and death.

Life in this fallen world is full of many things to be afraid of, but recognizing the good presence of Christ with us gives us the power to choose faith over fear.

That’s the message of Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves by Trillia Newbell. In this book, Newbell addresses a variety of common fears, and shows how the truth of God’s Word and the power of the gospel can help us overcome those fears with faith.

This book will encourage you, boost your confidence in God, and help you walk with faith every day. I hope you’ll grab a copy today and read it this summer.

Buy Fear and Faith:

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

*Get the audiobook for free — get more info here.

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

PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH (BY SPURGEON)

Even the act of worship may not be easy for some. The dragon seems to pursue them, and floods of distractions wash away their devotion. Grant them wings like eagles, that each one may soar away to the place prepared for them and find rest in your presence today.

Our Father, come and grant rest to your children now.

Amen.

WIN (A LOT OF) FREE BOOKS

Thanks to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College for sponsoring the Weekend Edition.

This month, its #MBTSBooks Month. Midwestern is giving away a book written by their faculty EVERY DAY. They’re also giving away one complete set of the Lost Sermons of C.H. Spurgeon (7 incredible volumes).

Learn everything you need to know right here.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

What is Your Life

Believers have everything to gain by dying. “To die is gain.” We shall lose nothing which will be a loss to us. If one should take from us a jewel, but should give us another a thousand times its value, we should not regret the exchange. We lose this life, let it be such a jewel as you like, but we win the life to come, which is infinitely more precious. Beloved, instead of fearing death, we would be willing rather to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. 

Read the full sermon from the Spurgeon Center for Biblical Preaching at Midwestern Seminary.

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

The Heart of Jesus – Jared Wilson

In this sermon, Jared Wilson unpacks God’s desire to be worshiped by every tribe, tongue, and nation. This is the passion of Jesus… is it the passion of your life?

PREPARE FOR MINISTRY AT MIDWESTERN

With all the hardships and headwinds Christian ministers face in a post-Christian world, along with the growing reality of ministry burnout, this year’s For The Church National Conference seeks to remind ministry leaders and saints alike of the glorious calling of everyday ministry. There may be days filled with difficulties and loss, yet being a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ is worth every pain, every worry, and every tear.

Join us in Kansas City on September 11-12 to remember why everyday ministry matters for the glory of God and the good of the Church.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Come near, our Father, and draw close to your children. Some of us are weak in body and faint in heart. Soon, O God, lay your right hand upon us and say, “Do not fear.” If any of us are being drawn towards the world, come near and extinguish the influence of the world with your superior power.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Thank God for this: “Your word is truth.” It does not say, “Your word contains truth mixed with error” or “Your word has some truth in it.” No, it says, “Your word is truth.” Not only is it true, but it is truth itself—the essential truth.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

How knowing what Jesus is doing NOW will strengthen your faith and give you joy

We know in our heads 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)