Category: Pray with Spurgeon

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Keep your people right with regard to the world? Oh, that the witness that we bear might be an unstained one. Oh, grant to us to be a light in the world, that we may never cast darkness instead of light over the minds of men. Help us to live out Christ’s life. Oh Lord, help us to be so consumed with zeal, that it may eat us up; and may we be so full of love, that those who are round about us may know, that if we write a harsh letter, or say a strong word, love alone dictates it.

May we in everything be Christly, godly; for God is love. Conquer our tempers; subdue our passions; rule us in body, soul, and spirit. Make us to live so that, when death shall close our life on earth, heaven itself shall be but a continuance of the same life, because even now we have the beginnings of heaven in the earnest of the Spirit.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.” (Matthew 5:14–15)

We are to remove the darkness of ignorance, sin, and sorrow. Christ has lighted us that we may enlighten the world. It is not ours to lie in concealment as to our religion. God intends his grace to be as conspicuous as a city built on the mountain’s top. To attempt to conceal his Spirit is as foolish as to put a lamp “under a bushel;” the lamp should be seen by “all that are in the house,” and so should the Christian’s graces. Household piety is the best of piety. If our light is not seen in the house, depend upon it we have none. Candles are meant for parlors and bedrooms. Let us not cover up the light of grace.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Spurgeon’s Earliest Sermons (And Hundreds of Other Resources)*

Through December 15, Bibles like the Spurgeon Study Bible are available for up to 80% off from Lifeway. AND if you use promo code BIBLEGIFT21, you can get an extra $10 off any purchase over $40.

One of my favorite features of the Spurgeon Study Bible is the LOST SERMONS. Throughout the study Bible, you can find outlines of some of Spurgeon’s earliest sermons — you can even see them in Spurgeon’s own handwriting!

Up until a few years ago, they had never been published or widely read, and now there are 20 of them available right in your Spurgeon Study Bible. These sermons are saturated with rich gospel content. I know they will bless and encourage you.

The Lost Sermons are just one of the many incredible features to this Study Bible. I highly recommend grabbing one now as a Christmas gift to someone else (or yourself 😆).

Grab Bibles like the Spurgeon Study Bible for up to 80% off at Lifeway.com/Bibles.

(Use promo code BIBLEGIFT21 for an extra $10 off any purchase over $40.)

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

If you have prospered any among us who may have grown rich, and have forgotten the God who gave them everything; or if you have brought any into poverty, and in their poverty they have not acted as they should; or if you have left any brother to his own heart, and he has found out that he is a fool; if any of us have grieved you; oh, lay not this sin to the charge of your church, and lay it not to the charge of the offender either, but let a sweet forgiveness be bestowed, let a restoration be granted by your Spirit, and let the church be right with God. Oh, how we pray for this!

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.” (Philippians 4:12)

These are two grand things to learn. There are some who know the first, but who do not know the second. I have known several of God’s children who seemed quite eminent for piety when they were abased, but they were never worth anything after they grew rich. They did not know how to abound; they became top-lofty, and far too great for their place.

It was not so with the apostle. When he had much, he knew how to use it. He had asked of God that he might be kept humble—that when he had a full sail he might have plenty of ballast; that when his cup ran over he might not let it run to waste; that in his time of plenty he might be ready to give to those that needed; and that as a faithful steward he might hold all he had at the disposal of his Lord. This is divine learning.

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Deals for Black Friday (And Beyond)*

At Christmas, we have the great opportunity to show others the love and generosity of God by giving gifts. One of the best, most God-honoring gifts you can give to someone else is a Bible.

To help you get started on Christmas shopping, Lifeway is selling Bibles (including one of my favorites — the Spurgeon Study Bible) for up to 80% off.

AND if you use code BIBLEGIFT21, you can save $10 on any purchase over $40.

There are tons of great resources available in this sale, so grab a few Bibles to help others follow Christ or treat yourself to a new Bible that will fuel your own devotions in the new year.

Give the gift of God’s Word this Christmas — there’s nothing better to offer!

Grab Bibles like the Spurgeon Study Bible for up to 80% off at Lifeway.com/Bibles.
(Use promo code BIBLEGIFT21 for an extra $10 off any purchase over $40.)

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 pray with a deep gratitude for all your mercies: may they take possession of all our hearts that, as when David sat in his house of cedar he “magnified the Lord,” so may we also, whenever things go smoothly with us. Lord, may the gratitude we feel prompt us to say again, “How can I repay the LORD for all the good he has done for me?” (Psalm 116:12).

Make every child of yours here, to be every day serving you; and serving you so that heaven’s work may begin below, and something of heaven’s pleasure may be enjoyed even now. But Lord, while we work for you, always keep us sitting at the feet of Jesus. Let our faith never wander away from the simplicity of its confidence in him. Let our motive never be anything but his glory; may our hearts be taken up with his love, and our thoughts perpetually engaged about his person. Let us choose the good part which shall not be taken away—that if we serve with Martha we may also sit with Mary.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“We give thanks to you, God; we give thanks to you, for your name is near. People tell about your wondrous works.” (Psalm 75:1)

We do not give thanks to ourselves for we were helpless, but to God who heard our cry, and replied to the taunt of our foes. Never let us neglect thanksgiving, or we may fear that another time our prayers will remain unanswered. As the smiling flowers gratefully reflect in their lovely colors the various constituents of the solar ray, so should gratitude spring up in our hearts after the smiles of God’s providence.

We should praise God again and again. Stinted gratitude is ingratitude. For infinite goodness there should be measureless thanks. Faith promises redoubled praise for greatly needed and signal deliverances. 

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Celebrate Christmas with Spurgeon’s best sermons.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving in the United States, which means that in 48 hours, no one will be able to judge you for listening to Christmas music and reading Christmas books. I want to recommend one resource to you —Spurgeon on Christmas.

This book is a compilation of 14 classic Spurgeon sermons on Christmas, the incarnation, and the birth of our Lord. Read this book before Christmas to remember (and celebrate) the reason for the season!

Reading Spurgeon’s classic Christmas and Christmas Eve sermons has become one of my favorite family Christmas traditions. These sermons are so rich and help us all remember the wonderful gift of God’s Son that came down at Christmas.

Buy Spurgeon on Christmas today on 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)

Throughout this year, all of our path has been strewn with mercies, and we desire this morning to record, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,” (Psalm 103:2).

We thank you now in the retrospect for the trials which we have endured. Some of us have been brought very low with physical pain and mental weariness, and others have been sorely smitten with bereavement, losses, and crosses, and persecutions, but there is not one out of all our trials which we could have afforded to have been without.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“The humble will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise him. May your hearts live forever!” (Psalm 22:26)

For a while they may keep a fast, but their thanksgiving days must and shall come. “May your hearts live forever.” Your spirits shall not fail through trial, you shall not die of grief, immortal joys shall be your portion. Thus Jesus speaks even from the cross to the troubled seeker. If his dying words are so assuring, what consolation may we not find in the truth that he lives forever to make intercession for us! They who eat at Jesus’ table receive the fulfillment of the promise, “If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever” (John 6:51).

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Start your Christmas shopping at Lifeway*

The Bible is a precious gift from God. We thank him for his grace by giving his Word to others as well. As we enter a season of gift-giving, we should consider how the gifts we give will point others to Christ.

Have you considered giving someone a Bible this Christmas?

• Give a non-believer a copy of the Bible to encourage them to consider Christ.
• Give a believer a new Bible that will fuel their 2022 Bible reading.
• Give someone a new Study Bible that will help them dive deeper into the Word.

To celebrate Christmas, Lifeway is selling Bibles for up to 80% off.

AND if you use code BIBLEGIFT21, you can save $10 on any purchase over $40.

Give the gift of God’s Word this Christmas — there’s nothing better to offer!

Grab Bibles like the Spurgeon Study Bible for up to 80% off at Lifeway.com/Bibles.
(Use promo code BIBLEGIFT21 for an extra $10 off any purchase over $40.)

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

In the recollection of all that you have done for us your people, we are filled with amazement as well as with gratitude, that you should have loved us before the foundation of the world, that sovereign love should have pitched upon us poor unworthy ones, that you should so love us as to redeem us with the blood of Jesus and give the only Begotten to die for unworthy creatures like us, that you should love us notwithstanding our sins and transgressions, that you should love us despite the hardness of our hearts and the rebellion of our nature.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“It is good to give thanks to the LORD…” (Psalm 92:1)

It is good ethically, for it is the Lord’s right; it is good emotionally, for it is pleasant to the heart; it is good practically, for it leads others to render the same homage. When duty and pleasure combine, who will be backward? To give thanks to God is but a small return for the great benefits which he daily gives us; yet as he by his Spirit calls it a good thing, we must not despise it, or neglect it. We thank men when they oblige us, how much more ought we to bless the Lord when he benefits us. Devout praise is always good, it is never out of season, never superfluous.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Know how you were forgiven — be freed from pride and despair.

Today we thanked God for the forgiveness of our sins — we are no longer guilty, but forgiven! Justified! Redeemed!

Remembering this truth — that we are forgiven of our sins, washed in the blood of Christ — should always fill us with gratitude (at Thanksgiving and all year round). We can know that we are forgiven forever, because it was purchased by Christ himself.

A great book to help you dive deeper into this topic of our forgiveness is Justification by Grace through Faith: Finding Freedom from Legalism, Lawlessness, Pride, and Despair by Brian Vickers. This book walks through the Bible’s teaching on justification and forgiveness in a way that is thoroughly biblical and intensely practical.

I hope you’ll grab a copy — I know it will bless and encourage you to give thanks to the Lord.

Buy Justification by Grace through Faith:

• Amazon
• ChristianBook.com

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Bless, Lord, my church, and let nothing spring up in this church that would grieve your Holy Spirit. We know that there are some among us that walk not after your commandments, some that grow cold, some that are negligent in prayer, some that add nothing to the strength of your service. But Lord, is it not so with all the churches?

Oh, will you not still continue to look upon the faithful, and to make them yet more faithful; and to look upon the wandering, and the backsliding, and to restore them, lest they be an occasion of grief unto your Israel, as Achan was who had hidden away the Babylonish garment, and the wedge of gold in his tent.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“… making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

The text bids us endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit, but it does not tell us to endeavor to maintain the unity of evil, the unity of superstition, or the unity of spiritual tyranny! The unity of evil we are to break down by every weapon our hands can grasp. The unity of the Spirit we are to maintain and foster is another thing. We dare not commit the sin of quenching the Holy Spirit even though it were with the view of promoting unity!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Study (the entire Bible) with Spurgeon*

Good study Bibles have been an incredible blessing to me throughout my Christian life. They are incredible tools for understanding and applying the Bible.

One of my favorite study Bibles is The Spurgeon Study Bible. This is a great tool for deepening your understanding of Scripture.

Two great features: there are hundreds of study notes taken from Spurgeon’s sermons throughout the Bible, and there are short introductions by Spurgeon on every book of the Bible. This is a great way to get a broad overview or detailed reflection, right from Spurgeon, on any section of Scripture.

The Spurgeon Study Bible is a great resource for Scripture study. And now through December 15, you can grab the Spurgeon Study Bible and other Bibles for up to 80% off at Lifeway.com/Bibles.

AND if you use code BIBLEGIFT21, you can save an extra $10 on any purchase over $40.

This is a great time to grab the Spurgeon Study Bible for yourself OR as a Christmas gift for a Spurgeon fan in your family or church.

Just use promo code BIBLEGIFT21 when you check out on Lifeway.com.

Grab Bibles like the Spurgeon Study Bible for up to 80% off at Lifeway.com/Bibles.

(Use promo code BIBLEGIFT21 for an extra $10 off any purchase over $40.)

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Oh we desire perfection. We know what it is to make a conscience of our every thought. We have looked upon every act of our lives, and desired that in all things we might be conformed to your will; and you know this makes us walk very tenderly at times, and with much brokenness of spirit before you, because the more we look into our lives, the more we see to lament; and in proportion as you do make us holy, in that very proportion do we spy out our unholiness, and find nests of sin where we never dreamt that the loathsome things had been.

Father, cleanse us from secret faults. Purge us! You have purged us with hyssop once, and we are clean; now wash us with water, even as you, blessed Jesus, did wash your disciples’ feet, and make us clean everywhere, that we may be your priests and kings, sanctified wholly; and make us a people zealous of good works.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7)

Sprinkle the atoning blood upon me with the appointed means. Give me the reality which legal ceremonies symbolise. Nothing but blood can take away my blood-stains, nothing but the strongest purification can avail to cleanse me. Let the sin-offering purge my sin. Let him who was appointed to atone, execute his sacred office on me; for none can need it more than I. Foul as I am, there is such power in the divine propitiation, that my sin shall vanish quite away.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

How God’s grace helps you grow

Today we prayed that God would help us grow in holiness and set us free from sin. We ask God to help us grow in holiness, because we know that God’s grace doesn’t just save us from sin, it also gives us the power that we need to slay sin. The work of growing in godliness is a work of cooperation between us and God’s grace.

One of my all-time favorite books is The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges. This book explains how God’s grace empowers Christians to slay sin and grow in godliness. It is one of the helpful, practical, and encouraging books that I have ever read! If you want to grow in godliness, start with The Discipline of Grace.

Reading The Discipline of Grace will definitely help you grow in holiness. I hope you’ll grab a copy today.

Buy The Discipline of Grace:

• 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, many of us have been forgiven, years ago. We have walked with you now, with holy joy and confidence, some of us for a quarter of a century, and others for more; yet Lord there may be something between us and you even now, and if there be, “Let me know why you prosecute me” (Job 10:2).

If you see in your servants any wrong thing encouraged, any evil desire cherished; if there is anything that we delight in that you do not delight in; if we have any habit which grieves you; if in anything we vex Thy Holy Spirit—our Father, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us; and then point out to us the trespass, and teach our feet to keep the ways of your commandments, and to trespass no more; for our heart is right towards your statutes and we desire holiness.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“I will say to God, ‘Do not declare me guilty! Let me know why you prosecute me.’” (Job 10:2)

It may be the Lord contends with you because you have some secret sin which is doing you sore damage. Put it away, lest God smite you still more sorely, and vex you in his hot displeasure. Trials often discover sins—sins we should never have found out if it had not been for them.

We know that the houses in Russia are very greatly infested with rats and mice. Perhaps a stranger would scarcely notice them at first, but the time when you discover them is when the house is on fire; then they pour out in multitudes. And so does God sometimes burn up our comforts to make our hidden sins run out; and then he enables us to knock them on the head and get rid of them. That may be the reason of your trial, to put an end to some long-fostered sin.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Teach the Bible to your children (every day)

Today we prayed that God would reveal your hidden sins. One of the most frequent hidden sins that I see is a failure to regularly, consistently point our children to Christ.

Parents, making disciples in our homes is not always easy, but it’s always SO REWARDING!

Teaching our children the Bible is so important that I’ve created a new resource to help you along the way — to partner with you as you train your children to know and treasure God.

It’s called GodCenteredFamily.org — a daily interactive Bible reading plan for parents and kids of any age.

Exposing your children to the truth of God’s Word EVERY DAY will radically change their lives — because God’s Word NEVER returns void.

Subscribers to GodCenteredFamily.org receive a weekly download with everything you need for daily, faithful family Bible time.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Daily Scripture readings with age-appropriate application questions
• Prayer guides to help you pray in response to the reading
• Suggested songs to sing in response to the reading
• Introductions to each book of the Bible
• Interactive listening guides for each book of the Bible
• Hands-on activities and object lessons
• Bonus Bible studies, resources, and books

Learn more and download a free sample right here.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Oh Lord, our chief desire this morning before you is to be right with you. Oh make us right with you, great Father. There are some in your presence who are not right with you at all; your face they cannot behold, and you cannot accept their offering; for it is true of them, as of Cain, “sin is crouching at the door” (Genesis 4:7).

Oh God roll every sin away; but we know they must first feel the burden of it, they must come to you and confess it, they must accept the great Substitute and rest in Jesus. And our prayer shall be, Father, if our sin be not forgiven, we would put our head into your bosom and sob out, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and am no more worthy to be called your son.” Grant the kiss of forgiveness to each of your children this morning, and may we feel that you are faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9); and in the joy of this, may we feel peace with you.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“If you do what is right, won’t you be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (1 John 1:7)

It is God’s fashion to say, “Turn, turn, why will you die, O house of Israel?” for he does not will the death of any, but that they should turn unto him and live. He is greatly patient and waits to be gracious. God gives none up until they fatally resolve to give themselves up, and even then his good Spirit strives with them as long as it is possible to do so, consistently with his holiness.

Often to the very gates of death, and up to the very edge of the bottomless pit, his pity follows obstinate sinners, crying still, “Turn! Turn! Turn! Why will you die?” Yes, the angry sinner—the Cain-ite sinner—the sinner whose face betrays the anger of his soul, whose heart is hot with enmity against God and against his Christ, even he is not left to die without divine pleadings which may show him his fault and folly.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Study (the entire Bible) with Spurgeon*

Good study Bibles have been an incredible blessing to me throughout my Christian life. They are incredible tools for understanding and applying the Bible.

One of my favorite study Bibles is The Spurgeon Study Bible. This is a great tool for deepening your understanding of Scripture.

Two great features: there are hundreds of study notes taken from Spurgeon’s sermons throughout the Bible, and there are short introductions by Spurgeon on every book of the Bible. This is a great way to get a broad overview or detailed reflection, right from Spurgeon, on any section of Scripture.

The Spurgeon Study Bible is a great resource for Scripture study. And now through December 15, you can grab the Spurgeon Study Bible and other Bibles for up to 80% off at Lifeway.com/Bibles.

AND if you use code BIBLEGIFT21, you can save $10 on any purchase over $40.

This is a great time to grab the Spurgeon Study Bible for yourself OR as a Christmas gift for a Spurgeon fan in your family or church.

Just use promo code BIBLEGIFT21 when you check out on Lifeway.com.

Grab Bibles like the Spurgeon Study Bible for up to 80% off at Lifeway.com/Bibles.

(Use promo code BIBLEGIFT21 for an extra $10 off any purchase over $40.)

*Sponsored advertising content

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Grant us grace that we may not bless your name merely because you feed us, and clothe us, and because we receive so many mercies at your hand; but may we learn to praise you even when you put us under the rod, and when the heart is heavy, and when mercies seem but scant. Oh, that when the flocks are cut off from the stall, and there is no harvest, we may nevertheless rejoice in God.

Oh Lord, teach us this very morning the art of praise. Let our soul take fire, and like a censer full of frankincense, may our whole nature send forth a delicious perfume of praiseful gratitude unto the ever blessed One, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)

Some of the rarest pearls have been found in the deepest waters, and some of the choicest utterances of believers have come when God’s waves and billows have been made to roll over them. The fire consumes nothing but the dross and leaves the gold all the purer. In Job’s case, with regard to his position before God, he had lost nothing by all his losses, for what could be purer and brighter gold than this that gleams before us from this text, revealing his triumphant patience, his complete resignation, and his cheerful acquiescence in the divine will? Job looked on everything he possessed as the gift of God.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Spurgeon’s hope for depressed people

Today we prayed and read in Scripture about praising God, even through our trials. This can sound like a difficult prospect for many of us, who are often stuck in a fog depression that keeps us from seeing God’s goodness. But Spurgeon himself can offer us a lot of counsel in that area.

Many people don’t realize that Spurgeon was plagued with crippling depression throughout his life and ministry. Throughout this struggle, Spurgeon cultivated a deep, Christ-centered hope that allowed him to continue to live and minister. We all have something to learn from Spurgeon.

You can learn more about Spurgeon’s struggle with depression — and the hope that kept him through it —in Spurgeon’s Sorrows: Realistic Hope for Those Who Suffer from Depression by Zack Eswine. This book isn’t just a biography of Spurgeon — it describes lessons that we can learn from his real battle with depression.

Spurgeon’s Sorrows is a great resource for anyone who struggles with depression, and it’s a great Christ-centered Christmas gift that you can buy for someone else who is struggling.

Buy Spurgeon’s Sorrows:

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