Category: Pray with Spurgeon

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Now bless the sinners. Lord convert them. O God, save men, save this great city, this wicked city, this slumbering dead city. Lord, arouse it, arouse it by any means, that it may turn unto its God. Lord save sinners all the world over, and let your precious Word be fulfilled. “Behold he comes on the clouds.” Why do you delay? Make no delay, O, our Lord. And now to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost be glory forever and ever.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)

Now at this moment, over the most debased idolaters, God holds a secret rule; here is work for faith. How we ought to long for the day when this truth shall be changed in its aspect, and the rule now unrecognized shall be delighted in! The great truth that God reigns in providence is the guarantee that in a gracious gospel sense his promise shall be fulfilled, and his kingdom shall come.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A Guilt-Free Evangelism Class*

Today we prayed that God would save the lost people in our city. We also need to remember that we have a role in answering this prayer. Evangelism is an urgent and weighty task. We know that we need to do it (and most of us feel guilty that we don’t do it more), but we have a lot of questions about how to do it right.

I’m really thankful for the way Share the Gospel by Tony Payne (A new resource from Matthias Media) answers so many of these questions. And because this book is rooted in the truth of Scripture, it isn’t full of guilt-trips about missed opportunities — it’s about letting the wonderful grace of God propel us to announce it to everyone and anyone!

This book is one of the most practical resources on evangelism that I’ve seen — it is full of easy-to-use tools to start conversations, transition to the gospel, and share with clarity.

If you want to live faithfully as Christ’s ambassador, you will NOT regret the time you spend in this book.

Pre-Order Share the Gospel and receive two free books when you mention SpurgeonBooks.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Lord, we want to live while we live. We do pray that we may not merely groan out an existence here below, nor live as earthworms crawling back into our holes and dragging now and then a withered leaf with us; but oh! give us to live as we ought to live, with a new life that you have put into us, with the divine quickening which has lifted us as much above common men as men are lifted above the beasts that perish.

Do not let us always be hampered like poor half-hatched birds within the egg; may we chip the shell today and get out into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Grant us this, we pray.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Sing a song of wisdom, for God is King of the whole earth.” (Psalm 47:7)

The Jewish people of our Savior’s time resented this truth, but had their hearts been right they would have rejoiced in it. They would have kept their God to themselves, and not even have allowed the Gentile dogs to eat the crumbs from under his table. Alas! How selfishness turns honey into wormwood. The Lord is not the God of the Jewish people only, all the nations of the earth are, through the Messiah, yet to own him Lord. Meanwhile his providential throne governs all events beneath the sky.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Finding Scripture-saturated hope in the midst of doubt and suffering

For Christians, doubt is often associated with our own experiences of suffering. It is hard to believe in a good and powerful God when we feel so much pain in this broken world.

In the midst of suffering, it is easy to doubt God’s love for us and feel as if he has deserted us. An excellent book to help you find hope and faith through that kind of suffering is Deserted by God? by Sinclair Ferguson.

This book offers several reflections on the Psalms of lament in the Bible, where divinely-inspired authors cried out to God in the midst of their pain.

No matter what trials you are currently going through (or will go through in the future), Deserted by God? will give you the kind of Bible-saturated firm faith you need to endure. I hope you will grab a copy today.

Buy Deserted by God?:

• Amazon (Paperback edition)
• ChristianBook.com (Paperback 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 you once more that you would, by some means, cause peace to be re-established throughout the earth. Grant that this nation may not be drawn into war. We have been foolish once over it, grant that we may not be so again; but Oh, let your Kingdom come without the use of the sword. Oh, angel of war, will you not rest! Oh, sword of the Lord, put yourself into your scabbard and be still; for the sake of the great Prince of Peace we ask it.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our King, sing praise!” (Psalm 47:6)

Singing praises is the most natural and fitting response to the triumph of the Lord and his universal rule. Our worship can and should be expressive, as we acknowledge his greatness and sovereignty. It is a sublime attribute of God, worthy of our adoration, and it brings us great joy. Let him have all our praise; no one else deserves it. Jesus should receive it all. Let his sovereignty be the source of our joy. While it is a majestic attribute, it is also a source of delight for the faithful. Our worship should not be characterized by sighs but by songs. God does not want slaves to grace his throne; he is not a tyrant. Singing is a fitting homage for such a blessed and gracious King. Let all hearts that acknowledge his rule sing, and sing continuously, for there is an everlasting reason for thanksgiving as long as we are under the shadow of such a throne.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A Joy-Increasing Evangelism Resource*

Evangelism is one of the greatest privileges and joys we have as Christians. But unfortunately, we often allow fear to stop us from talking about Jesus — robbing us of joy.

The new book Share the Gospel by Tony Payne begins by addressing some of the most common roadblocks that PREVENT Christians from sharing their faith, including lacking confidence, worry about people’s questions, and more.

And then the book gives the timeless remedy for each of them: knowing the incomparable love of God in Christ.

Seriously, this book (and accompanying videos) are a GOLDMINE of encouragement and practical tools for evangelism.

Don’t let fear steal your joy any longer — grab a copy of Share the Gospel and grow this fall.

Pre-Order Share the Gospel and receive two free books when you mention SpurgeonBooks.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

Just a little longer waiting and we shall come to the golden shore; but a little longer fighting and we shall receive the crown of life that fadeth not away.

Lord get us up above the world. Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove, and mount and bear us on your wings, far from these inferior sorrows and inferior joys, up where eternal ages roll. May we ascend in joyful contemplation, and may our spirit come back again, strong for all its service, armed for all its battles, armored for all its dangers, and made ready to live heaven on earth, until by-and-bye we shall live heaven in heaven.

Great Father, be with your waiting people, greatly help any in great trouble; sweetly comfort and cheer any who are despondent; bring back and heal their wounds of any who have erred and are smarting under their own sin; give the the desire of our hearts to any who this day are panting after holiness; lead us into ways of usefulness.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“God ascends among shouts of joy, the LORD, with the sound of a trumpet.” (Psalm 47:5)

Faith hears the people already rejoicing. The command given in the first verse is now seen as a reality. The battle is over, and the conqueror ascends to his triumphant chariot, riding towards the gates of a city illuminated by the joy of his return. These words are entirely applicable to the ascension of the Redeemer. The joyful notes of the trumpet signify the grandeur of his triumph. It was fitting to welcome one returning from war with martial music. Fresh from his victory, he ascended, leading captives home. Surely the trumpet announced the glorious news of Immanuel’s triumphant return.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

God’s grace will grow you. Here’s a practical guide.

Today we prayed, looking forward to the day that Jesus would come back to bring us home. While we are waiting for that day, we must not sit back comfortably, but we should STRIVE to root out sin, prepare ourselves for heaven, and become more like Christ. But here’s the thing: we can’t grow in godliness without God’s help.

God didn’t just start your salvation, he’s going to complete it as well. And the path to true growth is not just trying harder, but by pressing deeper into the truths of God’s saving, sanctifying grace.

That’s the point of Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane Ortlund. In this book, Dane (author of Gentle and Lowly) offers a beautiful, biblical picture of what it looks like to actually grow in godliness. The teaching is incredibly practical and will leave you amazed at the wonder of God’s grace to change you.

I hope you’ll grab a copy of Deeper and use it to slay sin in your life, by God’s grace.

Buy Deeper:

• Amazon (Hardback, Kindle, or audiobook 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)

The entire church worships you, O God. Every heart renewed by your grace delights in adoration, and we, though the least and humblest, bow wholeheartedly in worship. Our joy in you is inexpressible.

Lord, help us to worship you not only with our lips but with our lives. May our entire beings be consumed by you, just as the fire consumed Elijah’s sacrifice, even licking up the water in the trenches. May the consuming fire of your Spirit transform our natures and glorify your name.

Amen.

ENTER TO WIN $10K FOR YOUR PASTOR

Thanks to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College for sponsoring the Weekend Edition. I’m so thankful that their continued partnership has made it possible to bring back the Weekend Edition!

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and Midwestern is hosting a giveaway of $10,000 to celebrate one faithful pastor (including a $5,000 donation to the church and $5,000 towards a well-deserved family vacation for the pastor).

Plus, anyone who enters or nominates their pastor will receive a free ebook of Spurgeon the Pastor by Midwestern professor Geoff Chang.

You can nominate your pastor (or, if you are a pastor, enter yourself!) right here.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

Light for Those Who Sit in Darkness

“The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16)

Darkness is an expressive type of sorrow. The mind that knows not God, knows not the heart’s best rest. There is no solace for our griefs like the gospel of Jesus Christ, and those who are ignorant of it are tossed about upon a stormy sea, without an anchorage. Glory be to God; when sorrow has brought on a midnight, grace can transform it into noon.

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

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

A Free Seminary Class on Paul’s Letters

Through Midwestern’s For the Church Institute, you can take New Testament II (covering all of Paul’s letters) FOR FREE. Join Dr. Patrick Schreiner to study Paul’s letters in the New Testament. Learn how God’s grace transforms people and puts them into communities that we call the church.

Access this free course here.

PREPARE FOR MINISTRY AT MIDWESTERN

What Jesus purchased is precious. We’ve made it our purpose. Midwestern Seminary exists for the Church, and we serve the church by biblically educating God-called men and women to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ. If you’re called to serve the church, train with us, for 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)

O Spirit of God, we love you today, especially for residing within us. How can you dwell in such an imperfect abode? How can you make these bodies your temples? Yet, you do, and for this, your name shall be revered as long as we live.

O Lord, today we find our delight in you. Grant us faith, love, and hope, so that with these three graces, we may draw near to the Triune God. You will safeguard us, preserve us, nourish us, guide us, and bring us into alignment with the mind of God. There, you will reveal your love to us, and in the boundless, everlasting glory, you will allow us to experience and savor the joys that words cannot express.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“He chooses for us our inheritance— the pride of Jacob, whom he loves.” (Psalm 47:4)

We gladly place ourselves and our fortunes under his control, even though we may not yet see everything subjected to him. He granted his ancient people their portion, and he will do the same for us, which we eagerly desire. We submit our will, choice, and desires wholly to him. We entrust our heritage here and hereafter to him, allowing him to do with us as He pleases.

We have a portion in our Lord Jesus, that is enough for our greatest desires. Our beauty, our pride, our greatest treasure, all lies in having such a God to trust in, such a God to love us.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Real Help for the Really Hard Work of Evangelism*

Evangelism is DIFFICULT. But we shouldn’t expect it to come naturally — we need to invest time and energy to grow as evangelists. To that end, a great resource for you (and a friend or two!) is Share the Gospel by Tony Payne. This new book is an incredibly practical, thoroughly biblical guide to growing your confidence in talking about Jesus.

I LOVE this book. Every chapter is rooted in Scripture and filled with hope, not condemnation. God IS at work to save sinners — and he’s called US to be a part of this work.

Share the Gospel is a really practical resource that will grow your confidence AND help you learn practical tools for starting conversations, responding to questions, and leading others to Christ.

This is a “Learn Together” book. It’s designed from the ground-up to be most useful in a small group setting.

This month, if you pre-order “Share the Gospel,” you’ll also receive TWO FREE COPIES of “The Christian Gospel” (which helps non-Christians understand the Bible’s big story and God’s plan to save sinners through Jesus).

This is a REALLY helpful resource, which I know will bless you, others in your church, and countless non-Christians who you will be better equipped to share with.

Pre-Order Share the Gospel and receive two free books.

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

We can never cease to adore your free grace and sacrificial love. The wonders of Calvary remain eternally astonishing in our eyes as we contemplate the One who cleansed us from our sins with his own blood. Nor can we cease to praise the God of our rebirth, who found us lifeless and made us alive, found us in conflict and reconciled us, found us entangled in the pursuits of this world and raised us out of the mire of selfishness and worldliness into a love for eternal divine things.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“He subdues peoples under us and nations under our feet.” (Psalm 47:3)

He who possesses infinite power shall subdue the people under us. The battle does not belong to us but to the Lord. He will take his own time, but he will certainly secure victory for his church. Truth and righteousness, through grace, will ascend to dominance. We are not waging an uncertain battle. Even the most rebellious hearts and stubborn wills will yield to conquering grace. Idolatry, infidelity, and superstition will be trampled underfoot, just as people tread down the stones in the street.

Christ will exercise his great power and reign, and all the tribes of humanity will acknowledge both his glory and the glory of his people in him.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Learn more about prayer from Spurgeon

I’ve been sending this newsletter every day for almost four years, and I’m still learning a lot about the power and importance of prayer from Spurgeon. Which is why I recently compiled some of his best sermons on prayer into a book, Spurgeon on Prayer.

This book is an incredible collection of timeless sermons by Spurgeon. If you read this book, I believe you WILL find your amazement and devotion in prayer increase dramatically.

I’ve made this book available for free to all subscribers of the newsletter, but you can also purchase physical or Kindle copies on Amazon to support this ministry, so I’m able to continue sending this newsletter. As the subscriber list grows, the cost of sending the newsletter increases. I hope you’ll support this ministry so I can continue to send the newsletter for many years to come.

I hope you’ll buy a copy of Spurgeon on Prayer today.

Get Spurgeon on Prayer:

• Free Download (PDF)
• 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)

When we shift our focus from self to God, we encounter truth, purity, and holiness, and our hearts discover peace, wisdom, fulfillment, delight, joy, and victory. Therefore, we implore you to draw us near to yourself. Let us immerse ourselves in communion with our God. Blessed be the love that chose us before the world’s inception. We can never sufficiently adore you for your sovereign love, which saw us in the wreckage of the Fall and loved us despite it all.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“For the LORD, the Most High, is awe-inspiring, a great King over the whole earth.” (Psalm 47:2)

For the Lord, the self-existent and only God, is “Most High,” the greatest in power, exalted in dominion, eminent in wisdom, and elevated in glory.

“He is a great King over all the earth,” not just over Judea but extending his rule even to the farthest reaches of the earth. Our God is not a local deity or a petty ruler of a tribe; in his infinite majesty, he governs the mightiest realms as the ultimate arbiter of destiny, the sole ruler of all lands, the King of kings and Lord of lords. No hamlet or isle is excluded from his dominion. How glorious it will be when this is seen and acknowledged by all, when all flesh will behold the glory of the Lord!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A Book to Help Kids Understand God’s Forgiveness

Today we prayed, praising God for his wonderful, forgiving mercy that holds onto us no matter how much we sin. Even though we sin, we don’t have to hide from God — his grace is enough to cover our sins.

Recently, my family has been loving a new kids’ book by Melissa Kruger, His Grace is Enough: How God Makes it Right When We’ve Got it Wrong. This book unpacks this crucial message of God’s grace and invites our sinful children to run towards God, not away from him.

His Grace is Enough invites children to know and rest in the sin-forgiving love of God, shown in Christ. It’s a serious, wonderful, joy-filled message, but the book is really fun, with engaging illustrations that help kids understand the message.

If you have preschoolers in your life, I know you’ll want to buy a copy (or two, to use as gifts!) — I hope you’ll add it to your family’s library today.

Buy His Grace is Enough:

• Amazon (Hardback edition)
• 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 praise the God of the eternal council chamber and the everlasting covenant. But where can we find words suitable enough to praise the One who bestowed grace upon us through Christ, his Son, before he adorned the starry sky?

We also bless you, O God, as the God of our redemption, for you loved us so deeply that you gave your beloved Son for us. He surrendered himself, even his own life, to redeem us from all iniquity and set us apart as his special people, eager to do good works.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Clap your hands, all you peoples; shout to God with a jubilant cry.” (Psalm 47:1)

The most natural and enthusiastic expressions of joy should be used in response to the victories of the Lord and his universal reign. This joy should extend to all nations. Israel may lead the way, but all the Gentiles should follow in this triumphant procession, for they share equally in the Kingdom where there is no distinction between Greek or Jew, but Christ is all and in all. Even now, if they knew it, it is the greatest hope for all nations that the Lord rules over them. He is such a great King, such an excellent rule, and such joyful subjects.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Understanding the Roman Catholic Church

Later this month, we’ll celebrate Reformation Day, the anniversary of Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses to the church door at Wittenberg — an event that sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Today, more than 500 years later, the Reformation is not finished. It’s just as important now that we seek to understand and engage our Roman Catholic neighbors. A great resource for starting (or continuing) your study on this important issue is 40 Questions about Roman Catholicism by Gregg Allison.

I’m incredibly thankful for the thorough, biblical, honest, and fair approach to Roman Catholic theology and practice that the book takes.

Many Protestants have an unfair, simplistic view of Roman Catholic theology, based on a few erroneous doctrines. This book takes a big-picture approach to understanding what Catholics believe and makes them different from Protestants. The question-and-answer format makes the book easy to read and accessible to reference.

Reading 40 Questions about Roman Catholicism will fill you with love for God’s Word and God’s gospel, rejecting any counterfeits, like Roman Catholicism. This book will equip you to better understand Roman Catholic theology and more faithfully engage your Catholic neighbor in evangelism.

Buy 40 Questions about Roman Catholicism:

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

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

We long to distance ourselves from the world, even its memory, and to commune with the world to come by speaking with him who was, is, and is to come, the Almighty. Lord, we have been often burdened and weary with cares, but with you, care finds its end. All things are with you, and when we dwell in you, we live in abundance, in unwavering peace, in perpetual joy.

We grapple with the errors and unrighteousness of humankind, but when we turn to you, there we find truth, purity, and holiness, and our hearts find peace. Most of all, we contend with ourselves and feel great shame in our weakness and foolishness. Yet, when we shift our focus from self to God, we encounter truth, purity, and holiness, and our hearts discover peace, wisdom, fulfillment, delight, joy, and victory.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12)

If you cease to think that which is evil, you will also cease to speak evil. If I speak evil of my brother, I have condemned the law which bids me love him as I love myself; I have practically said that it is an absurd law, and an unrighteous law; and this is a great evil in God’s sight.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

A devotional to help you run from sin and cling to Christ

Often, the biggest cause of fear in our lives is questioning the truth of God’s forgiveness. But God wants us to have confidence that our sins are forgiven, to help us know that we are forgiven of our sin by the great mercy of Christ.

One resource that’s been helpful as I’ve studied God’s Word and his promise of forgiveness is Whiter Than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy by Paul Tripp. This book features 52 short devotionals (one for every week of the year) on Psalm 51. This is an incredible resource to help you remember the horrors of your sin and the wonders of God’s amazing grace.

You could read the book over the next few months with just five minutes a day, or read one devotional each week for the next year. I can’t think of a better way to spend your time than reflecting on God’s mercy towards broken sinners like us.

I hope you’ll buy a copy and enjoy mediating on God’s unending mercy with me.

Buy Whiter Than Snow:

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