Category: Pray with Spurgeon

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DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

O God, we thank you that we have not been cast out. Indeed, if you had then cast out the child of the slave woman you would have cast us out, but now through sovereign grace all is altered with us. Blessed be your name. It is a work of divine power and love over human nature, for now we are the children of the promise, certainly not born according to the strength of the human will, or of blood, or of birth, but born by the Holy Spirit through the power of the Word, begotten again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, children of the great Father who is in heaven, having his life within us. Now, like Isaac, we are heirs according to promise and heirs of the promise, and we dwell at home in the Father’s house, and our soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and our mouth shall praise you as with joyful lips.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“For you know that you were redeemed from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold,” (1 Peter 1:18)

The price by which you were set free he counted down in a wondrous coinage, minted from his own heart. The ransom is paid, and the jubilee trumpet proclaims that you and your heavenly possessions are now delivered from all mortgage and encumbrance through the blood of Jesus Christ. Remember that with a great price you have obtained this freedom.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Why Do Paul’s Letters Matter?*

For DECADES, it’s been extremely popular to reject Paul’s Letters. Scholars question if Paul even wrote them, leaders say his teaching is outdated, and countless well-meaning Christians say they just prefer Jesus.

But Paul’s letters are not optional. We need them in our Bibles and we need them in our hearts.

To reject Paul’s epistles is to reject Christ himself.

On the other hand, to study Paul’s letters is ALWAYS a rewarding activity, as he describes the grace of God with such incredible clarity and wonder.

If you want help studying Paul’s Letters, my friends at Midwestern Seminary have put together a REALLY great resource.

This month, they are giving away their New Testament II online class that covers all of Paul’s letters (Romans–Philemon) — all for FREE.

It’s taught by Patrick Schreiner, who is one of the most helpful New Testament scholars today.

This is some INCREDIBLE content that will help you understand, read, and apply your Bible better.

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

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 thank you for the liberty which comes to our emancipated spirit through the adoption which you have made us to enjoy. When we were enslaved to sin the chains were heavy, for we could not keep your law; there was an inward spirit of rebellion; when the commandment came it irritated our corrupt nature and sin revived, and we died. Even when we had some strivings after better things, yet the power that was in us lusted into evil; we wanted to fly from the Father’s house; we were wild men, men of the wilderness, and we loved not living in the Father’s house.

O God, we thank you that we have not been cast out.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“If you appeal to the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, you are to conduct yourselves in reverence during your time living as strangers.” (1 Peter 1:17)

Let a childlike fear of offending your great Father ever restrain you from sin. “Happy is the person who fears continuously” (Proverbs 28:14). Do not be presumptuous. Always remember that, as there is a God who will to judge every man, you are to be judged. And oh, that you might, through his grace, be in such a condition of heart that you shall withstand the last test and be found to be full weight when you are put into the balances of the sanctuary that God shall hold with steadfast hand!

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Plunge further into 1 Peter

Over the last few weeks, the “Verse of the Day” section in this newsletter has featured Spurgeon’s commentary on 1 Peter. This is such a wonderful book for understanding what it really means to follow Christ and how to have true assurance.

If you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-use Bible study that will help you unpack and understand every part of 1 Peter, I highly recommend the Knowing the Bible series from Crossway. These books are really simple Bible studies that help you read the book for yourself (rather than just telling you exactly how to think).

This series is really incredible and, for some reason, no one really ever talks about them.

I hope you’ll check out the book on 1 Peter (and maybe bring someone along with you to study together?) and dive deeper into God’s word this fall.

Buy 1–2 Peter and Jude (Knowing the Bible):

• 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)

Our Father, we bless your name that we can say from the bottom of our hearts, “Abba, Father.” It is the chief joy of our lives that we have become the children of God by faith which is in Christ Jesus, and we can in the deep calm of our spirit say, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; your kingdom come; your will be done in earth as in heaven.”

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)

Observe the reason for obedience to the command: “because I am holy.” Children should be like their fathers. There are many children who bear, in their very faces, evidences of their sonship. You know who their fathers were by the image that the children bear. Oh, that it were always so with all the children of God: “You will be holy, because I am holy.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

FREE Seminary Class: Paul’s Letters with Patrick Schreiner*

Every book of the New Testament — the four Gospels, the letters, and even Revelation — point us to the glory of Jesus, crucified for sinners and risen from the dead. What a blessed book for deep study!

Studying the New Testament in depth is always a useful activity, because we haven’t yet seen all the glories of Jesus that it reveals.

Recently, I’ve been really loving Patrick Schreiner’s New Testament 2 class from Midwestern Seminary. This class covers all of Paul’s Letters (Romans–Philemon).

The best part? This class is available 100% FOR FREE!

If you sign up at the link in my bio, you can get complete access to this incredible class, know your Bible better, and love Jesus more — all for free.

I can’t wait to hear about all the wonderful things that God does in your life as you dive deeper into his Word using this free resource.

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

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

DAILY PRAYER (BY SPURGEON)

We pray for our brethren at home, in poverty many of them, working for Christ, Lord accept them and help us to help them. Sunday-school teachers, remember them; and the tract visitors from door to door, and the city missionaries, and the Bible women, all who in any way endeavor to bring Christ under the notice of men. O, help them all.

We will offer but one more prayer, and it is this. Lord look in pity upon any who are not in Christ. May they be converted. May they pass from death to life, and they will never forget it; may they see the eternal light for the first time, and they will remember it even in Eternity. Father help us; bless us now for Jesu’s sake. Amen.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct;” (1 Peter 1:15)

See your model. See the copy to which you are to write. You are far short of it. Try again. May the power of Jesus rest upon you, and may he that has brought us to the place we have attained continue to work in us till we are like our Lord himself!

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.

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.

GET A FREE SEMINARY CLASS

Thanks to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Spurgeon College for sponsoring the Weekend Edition. This month, Midwestern is giving away their New Testament II class (covering Paul’s Letters) for FREE.

This class is taught by Patrick Schreiner and will help you ready, study, and apply Paul’s Epistles with confidence.

Get this class for free right here.

WEEKEND LONG READ (SERMON BY SPURGEON)

The Saint, One with His Savior

We want to have the same spirit as Christ. Well, brethren, our hope is that we shall have it, for we are joined to the Lord, and he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit. You are joined to Christ, you are one spirit, and though it is not yet fully seen, it will be before long. There are better times coming, there are deeper degrees of grace for you yet, only persevere.

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

A FREE RESOURCE FROM MIDWESTERN

The Purpose of Theology in Times of Uncertainty

In tumultuous times, communion with God, then, is both “perfect and complete” and “initial and incomplete.” It is perfect and complete, John Owen explained, “in the full fruition of his glory,” and initial and incomplete “in the first fruits and dawnings of that perfection which we have here in grace.” Thus, contemplation on fellowship with God strengthens those anxious about the earthly world seemingly turned upside down all around them.

Read the article on For the Church.

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)

Lord, help your poor children to be holy. Oh, keep us so if we are so; keep us even from stumbling, and present us faultless before your presence at last. We pray for friends that are ill, for many that are troubled because of the illness of others. We bring before you every case of trouble and trial known to us, and ask for your gracious intervention. We pray for your ministers everywhere; for your missionary servants. Remember brothers who are making great sacrifice out in the hot sun or in the cold and frozen north. Preserve those who for Christ’s sake carry their lives in their hands.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance.” (1 Peter 1:14)

Men’s religion seems to hang loosely about them as if it did not fit them. The wonder is that it does not drop off from them. Men are so little braced up as to conscientious conviction and vigorous resolve that they easily go to pieces if assailed by error or temptation. Brace yourselves up; pull yourselves together; be firm, compact, consistent, determined. Do not be like quicksilver, which keeps on dissolving and running into fractions. Do not fritter away life upon trifles, but live to purpose, with undivided heart and decided resolution.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

The New Testament is Amazing — So Dive in Deep*

On every page of the New Testament, the glory of Jesus is revealed to us with crystal clarity. We need to discipline ourselves to DIVE deep into the NT — every part of it — to see and savor Jesus more.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been REALLY encouraged by a new (FREE) resource from my friends at Midwestern Seminary.

They are offering their New Testament II course (taught by Patrick Schreiner) for FREE.

You can start this class at any time, take it at your own pace, and cherish Jesus in every minute of it.

The lecture videos are so helpful for deepening your understanding of God’s Word. Taking this class is definitely an investment of time — but it is SO worth it.

You will walk away more confident in the truth of God’s Word, and with more skill to accurately unfold and apply it.

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

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 save us from a hard heart, an unkind spirit, that is insensitive to the woes of others. Lord preserve your people also from worldliness, from rioting, from drunkenness, from chambering and wantonness, from strife and envy, from everything that would dishonor the name of Christ that we bear. Lord make us holy. Our prayer comes back to this. Make us holy; cleanse the inside and let the outside be clean too. Make us holy, O God, do this for Christ’s sake. Not that we hope to be saved by our own holiness, but that holiness is salvation. Then we are saved from sin.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13)

Do not hope in yourself or in your works. Hope in the grace that you have not yet received, in “the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Bless God for the grace that you have not yet obtained, for he has it in store for you. Indeed, he has put it on the road, and it is coming to you. When for the moment you seem to be slack in present grace, say, “Glory to God for all the grace I have not tasted yet.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Fight unbelief with the truths of faith

Asking questions is not a bad thing — we just need to labor to answer our questions in a faith-filled, biblical way. There ARE answers available for even the toughest questions about the Bible — do you know those answers?

A great resource for being equipped to defend your faith is Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion by Rebecca McLaughlin. This book gives practical, biblical, and winsome answers to some of the world’s most pressing objections to the gospel.

Be equipped to answer questions like “Isn’t Christianity homophobic?” and “How can you say there’s only one true faith?” with Bible-centered wisdom and Christ-centered hope.

Confronting Christianity will bolster your own faith and equip you to be a bold witness for Christ. I hope you’ll buy a copy today and read it this summer.

Buy Confronting Christianity:

• Amazon (Hardback, Kindle, or audiobook 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)

Oh that as Christians we might be humble! Lord take away that stiff-necked, proud look; take away from us the spirit of “stand by, for I am holier than thou;” make us condescend to men of low estate; yes, and even to men of low morals, low character. May we seek them out, seek their good. Oh! give to the Church of Christ an intense love for the souls of men. May it make our hearts break to think that they will perish in their sin. May we grieve every day because of the sin of this city. Set a mark upon our forehead and let us be known to you as men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that are done in the midst of the city.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you. These things have now been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—angels long to catch a glimpse of these things.” (1 Peter 1:12)

The prophets lived for us; they were inspired for us. The benefits of their holy lives and gracious words are for us upon whom the ends of the earth have come. They lighted lamps that shine for future ages. They told of a Christ who was actually to come in the later days, to work out his redemption after they had all died in faith without a sight of his actual coming.

You and I live in the light of a finished salvation. God has appeared in human flesh; Christ has borne the guilt of man; his atonement is completed. Jesus has risen from the dead and gone into the glory, pleading for believers.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Glorify God this Christmas.

No, it’s not too early to start preparing for how we’ll focus on Christ this Christmas! Because every year, it seems harder than ever to focus on Christ at Christmas. As the world is screaming about gifts and Santa and holiday travels, it’s easy to lose sight of the meaning behind it all — the baby in the manger who was Savior and Lord.

I put together a book, Spurgeon on Christmas — a collection of Christmas sermons from Charles Spurgeon. These sermons are rich and I know that they will help you focus on Christ this Christmas.
(Plus, buying a copy of this book will help support this ministry, so I can continue sending this daily email!)

I hope you’ll buy a copy of Spurgeon on Christmas and be encouraged throughout the Advent and Christmas season.

Buy Spurgeon on Christmas now 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 help the converted child to be correct in his relation to his parents; help the Christian father or mother to be right in dealing with children, “don’t stir up anger in your children” (Ephesians 6:4). Take away rebellion from the young; take away impatience from the old.

Lord help Christian men of business. May they act uprightly; may Christian masters never be hard to their servants, to their workpeople; and may Christian workpeople give to their masters that which is just and equal in the way of work in return for wage. May we as Christian men be always standing upon our rights, but always be willing each one to minister to the help of others.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when he testified in advance to the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.” (1 Peter 1:11)

How diligently you ought to search the Scriptures and listen to the saving word! If men that had the Holy Spirit and were called “seers,” nevertheless searched into the meaning of the word that they themselves spoke, what ought such poor things as we are to do in order to understand the gospel? It should be our delight to “read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest” the doctrines of grace. Surely it must be a crime of crimes to be living in utter neglect of a salvation that gained the attentive mind of Daniel and Isaiah and Ezekiel.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Parents, teach your kids the Bible

Today, we prayed that God would help parents have a holy relationship with their kids. Parents, we have a sacred responsibility from God himself to teach our kids the Bible. Our kids need it more than anything.

But here’s the thing a lot of Christian parents don’t realize: You are better equipped than anyone to teach your kids the Bible.

To help you, I’ve been creating a series of family devotionals that cover every book of the Bible (not just the popular stories). These devotionals are interactive — but they don’t just distract kids with coloring sheets; they actually teach kids age-appropriate tools to interact with the text of Scripture itself.

Get started today with a free devotional, covering the Old Testament book of Micah.

Download a free family devotional 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)

We feel very feeble. Oh, make us strong in the Lord, in the power of his might. May we never let sin have any rest in us, may we chase it, drive it out, slay it, hang it on a tree, abhor it, and may we “cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).

Some of us are trying, striving after some excellent virtue. Lord help strugglers; give those who contend against great difficulties greater grace, more faith, and so to bring them nearer to God. Lord we will be holy; by your grace we will never rest until we are. You have begun a good work in us and you will carry it on. You will work in us to will and to do of your own good pleasure.

Amen.

VERSE OF THE DAY (COMMENTARY BY SPURGEON)

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who prophesied about the grace that would come to you, searched and carefully investigated.” (1 Peter 1:10)

Salvation is altogether of grace—grace that comes from God in his mercy to man in his helplessness. The gospel does not come to you asking something of you, but its hands are laden with gifts more precious than gold, which it freely bestows upon guilty men. It comes to us, not as a reward for the obedient and deserving, but as a merciful boon for the disobedient and undeserving. It treats with us, not upon the ground of justice, but upon terms of pure mercy. It asks no price and exacts no purchase; it comes as a benefactor, not as a judge. In the gospel God gives liberally and does not upbraid.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCE

Seeing How All of Scripture Points to Jesus

When we see Jesus for who he really is, in all of his beauty as the King of all Ages, we have to fall to our faces in worship. We must lay everything on the table in submission to this great king.

We always need resources that will magnify Christ to us — books that will remind us of how wonderful he is. One of those books is Christ from Beginning to End: How the Full Story of Scripture Reveals the Full Glory of Christby Stephen Wellum and Trent Hunter. This book walks through the story of Scripture, showing how Christ is the supreme hero and the supreme hope — he is what all of the Bible is pointing to.

This book is a helpful handbook to help you read Scripture in a more faithful, Christ-centered way and a guide to help you see Christ in every page.

This book will help you treasure Christ and the Bible more. I hope you’ll grab a copy for yourself.

Buy Christ from Beginning to End:

• Amazon (Paperback, Kindle, or audiobook edition)
• ChristianBook.com (Hardback or ebook edition)