Category: Pray with Spurgeon

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

O God, remember those people we know who have never experienced the sorrows of Christ because they have never truly grieved over their sins. O Father, let the Holy Spirit come upon them as the Spirit of conviction, making them aware of their sin, righteousness, and judgment. And then, let him come as the comforting Spirit of liberty, leading them to the joy and peace that come through believing in the eternal merits and the precious blood of our redeeming Lord. Oh, may each one of us look to Christ and find life; yes, eternal life through the abundant life that he offers.

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 honoured by being reviled for his name’s sake.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

THREE DAYS LEFT to save on CROSS CON24 registration*

Registration prices for CROSS CON24 will increase at the end of this month. That means you only have three days left to save.

This conference for 18–25 year-olds is January 3–5, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky.

You’ll get grace-saturated Bible teaching from teachers you love like Mark Dever, David Platt, John Piper, and others.

Here’s what to expect…

• Solid teaching on gospel, church, and missions
• Clear next steps for leveraging your life for God’s glory
• Hear from teachers that you know (Like David Platt) and NEED to know (like Christian Lwanda)
• Passionate singing with hundreds of other 18–25 year-olds

Trust me, you don’t want to miss this event. I hope you’ll register now and save.

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)

May the leaders of the churches be able to set an example for the flock, and to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the principles that adorn the teachings of God, our Savior.

Lord, we desire to be better Christians than we currently are; we long to be saturated with your Spirit, just as Gideon’s fleece was wet with dew. Every day, we are becoming more aware of our own weaknesses and the corruption that resides within us. May we increasingly perceive the suitability of Christ and the perfection and appropriateness of his work in transforming us into his perfect image.

Amen.

GET A FREE COURSE

Thanks to Midwestern Seminary for sponsoring the Weekend Edition of this newsletter.

My friends at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary have put together a GREAT video class from Jared Wilson that unpacks exactly how God’s story really can impact every part of your life.

It’s called “The Story of Everything” and it’s available FOR FREE right now.

Click here to get started with this FREE seminary-level course.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

Saved in Hope

We rejoice at this moment in salvation already obtained and enjoyed by faith which is in Christ Jesus. Yet we are conscious that there is something more than this to be had. There is salvation in a larger sense, which as yet we see not; for at the present moment we find ourselves in this tabernacle, groaning because we are burdened. Frequent calamities and disasters are portents of a great future which shall be born of this travailing present. Nowhere on earth can a perfect paradise be found. Our best things are expectant of something better. The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain with us. Even we that have received the firstfruits of the Spirit, and so are blessed and saved, nevertheless groan within ourselves, waiting for a further something, a glory not seen as yet. We have not yet attained, but are pressing on. Our first soul-thirst as sinners has been quenched; but there are within us still greater desires, by which we hunger and thirst after righteousness with longings insatiable.

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

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

Cynicism isn’t a spiritual gift by Dan Darling

A prophet speaks to people he loves with tears. A cynic disdains the people he is called to confront. A prophet’s desire is to see transformation. A cynic’s desire is to bring attention to himself.

Today, cynicism is contagious. It has become a movement, a niche lifestyle, a way of being.

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)

Lord, bless us in our work! Grant us grace to perform our everyday tasks in a way that brings glory to God. Give us grace to carry out our spiritual duties correctly. Are we preachers of the gospel? Oh, grant us abundant grace to preach with a divine anointing! Are we teachers in the school? Oh, give us great grace to understand the nature of children and to have the ability to guide their hearts! Whatever else we may be doing, empower us to do it as unto the Lord.

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 endeavoring 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.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

How to live as a peacemaker

Today’s verse of the day called us to live as 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.

I hope you’ll pick up a copy today — it’s an intensely practical guide that will help you walk in wisdom in all of your relationships.

Buy The Peacemaker:

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

* Get the audiobook for free (yours to keep!) with a free trial of Audible.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

May the Holy Spirit anoint us unto our kingships, that we may reign over ourselves in an imperial way. May the Lord Jesus reign over us! We should have every thought brought into captivity. We desire that spirit, soul and body may live unto Him who died for us, that we being not our own nor the world’s, much less Satan’s, may be the well-known property of the Lord of Hosts, and may live entirely as to every part of our nature, “Unto Him that loved us and gave Himself for us.”

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

A Bible Study for Husbands

Husbands, we are called to lay down our lives in service for our wives — how can we grow to be the sacrificial leader that God has called us to be?

I’ve created a resource, The God Centered Husband Bible Study Workbook to teach guys two things:

1. How to study the Bible.
2. How to be the husbands God has called them to be.

You can use it one your own, in a small group, or in one-on-one Bible study. If you’re a husband, grab a copy for yourself and a guy you know.

If you’re a wife, grab a copy for your husband.
(Trust me, he’ll thank you)

Buy The God Centered Husband Bible Study Workbook 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)

O God, we ask you to grant us grace to overcome every tendency to evil in our character, every habit which has been formed which brings us towards sin. Help us to overcome all the inclinations of our constitution; may these be kept in due check. We know that you have given us certain appetites and desires which in themselves are not sinful, but they too often are the causes of sin, being carried beyond due bounds. We pray that we may each one have power over himself.

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 labor hard with their stinginess 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

Give yourself to God’s Kingdom purposes.*

Our sovereign God will always accomplish his purposes. There is no sin in you or hostile force in the world that could stop him. Jesus’ Kingdom will always be undefeated.

Undefeated. That’s the theme of CROSS CON24 — a conference for 18–25 year-olds.

In January, CROSS will be gathering again to unpack how we can press on in hope, even in spite of great challenges to God and his Word, because God will ALWAYS be victorious.

Undefeated and undefeatable.

If you are an 18–25 year-old (or if you KNOW 18–25 year-olds), make plans to attend CROSS CON24.

Speakers like John Piper and David Platt are just the beginning. You seriously don’t want to miss this event.

Prices increase on May 31, so register now to save.

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 behave ourselves in your house in such a way that you can show yourself to us and give us answers to our prayers. Help us to delight ourselves in you, that you may give us the desire of our hearts. We want to be all that believers can be. The Lord grant that the life of faith in us may come to its flower, and not be forever merely in the stalk and root; may we bring forth ripe fruit unto our Lord Jesus Christ by the power of the Spirit of God. Fire us with the heavenly flame. Make us intensely earnest for the increase of the Redeemer’s Kingdom, for the conservation of his truth, and for the exhibition of that truth in all its sanctifying power.

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.

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.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A Visual Guide to the Entire New Testament

We need the Bible. But we don’t just need to have it, we need to understand it; we need to know it through-and-through. We need to study every passage and learn every book.

A great guide to help you know your Bible deeper is The Visual Word by Patrick Schreiner. This book offers an outline and a visual guide to every book in the New Testament. This gives you a great overview of the entire New Testament, which you can use as a guide for jumping in deeper.

The book is simple enough (and rich enough) for any Christian to benefit from. The illustrations that accompany each outline are stunning and help guide us into the New Testament books.

The Visual Word is an incredible (and beautiful!) resource to add to your Bible study tool belt. I hope you’ll grab a copy today.

Buy The Visual Word:

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

We ask that we may be among those who love Christ and keep his commandments. We are very anxious about this: the Lord make us obedient to our blessed Leader. May we follow in his steps. We must complain of ourselves that we are not what we want to be, nor what we should be. Oh, we do rejoice in this—that we are not what we shall be, for “When he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”

Will you be pleased, by your Spirit, O our Father, to conform us to the image of the Firstborn. Take out of us all tempers that are not according to his gentleness, all spirits that are not after the manner of his obedient, loving, filial spirit. May we be sons in whom you are well pleased.

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

Anger is deadly… And God can offer lasting change

Today we prayed that God would make us more like Jesus. One of the most frequent ways many Christians fail to follow in the footsteps of anger is how we experience and respond to anger. Most of us who struggle with anger, no matter how infrequently, hate it but we don’t know how to change.

A really great book to help you is The Heart of Anger by Christopher Ash and Steve Midgley. This book is an incredible exploration of everything the Bible teaches about anger. It will help you understand your anger, what motivates it, and how to slay it. This book is practical, biblical, and deep.

Reading The Heart of Anger will really help you, because it doesn’t offer short-cuts — it offers real transformation, rooted in God’s Word and dependent on God’s grace. (And, if you’re a pastor, you should grab a copy to be equipped to confront anger in others you disciple/counsel).

This book is incredibly useful. I hope you’ll pick up a copy today.

Buy The Heart of Anger:

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

*You can get the audiobook for free with a trial membership of Audible.

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)

As we gather with our church, be pleased to refresh us. Draw near to us, gracious God; it is only your presence that can make us happy, holy, devout or strong. Shadow us now with your wings, cover us with your feathers, and under your wings may we trust. May we follow very near unto you, and so feel the quickening warmth, the joy which only your nearness can bring.

If any in your presence this morning are unsaved, oh save them now. Grant that the service of this morning may bring such glad tidings to their ear, that their heart shall leap at the sound of it, and they shall return unto God, who will abundantly pardon. Bless every preacher of the Word today, and all Sunday schools, classes of young men and women, all tract-distributing and street preaching, and every form of holy service. Accept the prayers and praises of your people.

Amen.

GET A FREE COURSE

Thanks to Midwestern Seminary for sponsoring the Weekend Edition of this newsletter.

My friends at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary have put together a GREAT video class from Jared Wilson that unpacks exactly how God’s story really can impact every part of your life.

It’s called “The Story of Everything” and it’s available FOR FREE right now.

Click here to get started with this FREE seminary-level course.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

What Jesus Would Do

Jesus is willing to gather us — to gather the children of this city together, — as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings. Oh! I trust I may not have to say, “And ye would not;” but may the sweet Spirit of God be here to move the untoward and wicked wills of men, till it shall be said, “Christ is willing to gather you, and ye are willing to be gathered.” When those two things come together, great blessing must result. 

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

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

Jesus’ Call Was to Plant Churches by Tim Keller

Yesterday, Tim Keller passed away. As his faith became sight, those of us who have been impacted by his ministry should take time to thank God for his faithfulness through Tim.

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)

Blessed Lord, we trust there are beginnings and outlines of your own character in us, through your Holy Spirit; but let that work be carried on, putting more of the contents of beauty, more of the sweetness, the gentleness, the tenderness, that is in yourself. O divine sculptor, the divine Spirit; go on to fashion us, until, as Jesus was, so we may be.

We will not ask to be spared pain or sorrow, if we might only grow in grace and in the likeness of our savior, Jesus Christ. Oh make us such, that even you yourself can look upon us in Christ, and see with delight the work of your own hands.

Some of us have a hard struggle against inward corruption and hindering circumstances, and impetuous passions. Oh subdue us, Lord. Bring every thought into captivity to the law of Christ. Lead us as captives, triumphing over us in every place, and making even devils to see how sin is conquered in us, and that Christ reigns. 

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)

These seem worse off than the merely poor in spirit, for “they mourn.” They are a stage higher, though they seem to be a stage lower. The way to rise in the kingdom is to sink in ourselves. These men are grieved by sin, and tried by the evils of the times; but for them a future of rest and rejoicing is provided. Those who laugh shall lament, but those who sorrow shall sing. How great a blessing is sorrow, since it gives room for the Lord to administer comfort! Our griefs are blessed, for they are our points of contact with the divine Comforter. The beatitude reads like a paradox, but it is true, as some of us know full well. Our mourning hours have brought us more comfort than our days of mirth.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Another great biography for kids

I’ve written several times about how much I love the new Do Great Things for God series from the Good Book Company. Each of these books tells the story of a bold Christian woman who lived for God’s glory around the world.

The latest book in this series is a really great one, and The Good Book Company sent me an early copy. Amy Carmichael, by my friend Hunter Beless, tells the story of the famous missionary to India in a way that will encourage your kids to pray.

The story is so clear, the illustrations are fun, and your kids will walk away from this book with a grander vision of God’s worth.

This latest book is being released on May 31, but if you pre-order it, you can receive some fun bonuses (including a beautiful printable Amy Carmichael quote/Scripture passages, bonus audio, and some worksheets for your kids to fill out).

I hope you’ll pre-order a copy today! This will be a great addition to your family’s library.

Buy Amy Carmichael:

• Amazon (Hardback or Kindle editions)
• ChristianBook.com (Hardback 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 ask for newness of life! Have you not said, “Behold, I make all things new?” Lord, let everything be new in us, and everything living, vividly living, quickened into fullness of life, life more abundantly. Grant us this, we pray, and then give us fellowship with you, even in your resurrection, until we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavenly places with Christ, reigning with him as he reigns, exercising a hallowed priesthood, even as he exercises it, being made kings and priests unto God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:3)

Spiritual poverty is both commanded and commended. It is the basis of Christian experience. No one begins rightly who has not felt poverty of spirit. Yet even to this first sign of grace is the kingdom given in present possession: “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The question in heaven’s kingdom is not, “Are you a peer?” but, “Are you poor in spirit?” Those who are of no account in their own eyes are of the blood royal of the universe. These alone have the principles and the qualifications for a heavenly kingdom. May I be such!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Help 18–25 year-olds live for Jesus.*

If you’re 18–25 years-old, I want to tell you about CROSS CON24. This is an incredible event that will deepen your knowledge of God’s Word, increase your love for Jesus, and give you practical guidance on giving your life for his purposes. You don’t want to miss it. Register now.

If you’re not 18–25 years-old, I want you to tell someone else about CROSS CON24! Invite 18–25 year-olds in your church to this incredible event, where they will learn from teachers you know and trust (like John Piper, David Platt, Kevin DeYoung, and Mark Dever).

Even better — go with them! Get a group of 18–25 year-olds together and register as a group.

CROSS has had a huge impact on my life and I know it will be an incredible event again. I can’t wait to hear about all the ways God works in your life this January.

Prices increase on May 31, so register now to save.