Christian ministry by Charles Bridges (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example)
To finish his chapter on preparation for the pulpit, Bridges speaks of habits of meditation and special prayer.
The habit of meditation is defined as the 'exercise of the mind on spiritual objects for spiritual purposes, fixing a clear and permanent impression of the truth...The superficial student indeed (if student he should be called) has read only for the exercise of his memory, and neglected the investigation of the meaning.'
Special prayer during sermon preparation is of vital importance. Bridges suggests some subjects for special prayer:
(i) The choice of texts and topics;
(ii) The entering upon and pursuing our subject;
(iii) The frame of our own minds in the pulpit;
(iv) The power of our ministry upon the hearts and consciences of our people;
(v) Subsequent prayer after the sermon has been delivered.
Excellent section on how important prayer is in the composition of sermons. Just one good quote plucked from the many in today's reading: 'The most valuable results of meditative study are essentially defective without prayer. They are the effusions of the head rather than of the heart-cold, spiritless, dead. However important it may be, that the preacher's head should be well furnished; it is of far higher moment that his heart should be deeply affected. He must himself draw nourishment from his subject in fervent prayer, that he may bring it out to his people in fulness, simplicity, and love. Indeed his success in composition mainly depends upon the state of his own soul. He cannot make an edifying sermon, when his heart is motionless. None but God can teach him to teach his people. Converse with Him in the study will give its own stamp of sanctity and energy upon his preparations for the pulpit. Our object is not to set off our talents or eloquence; but to excite and strengthen an habit of holy- sensibility. Our very employment, therefore, in the word and work of God especially binds us to study our sermons in a devotional spirit; and thus only can we receive from above a blessing to impart to our people. Our message is applied with life and interest-not when it is set forth in human eloquence-but when the spirituality and unction of its delivery savours of real communion with God.'
I always feel I haven't prayed enough for my sermons.
In case it is helpful for others, here are my sermon prayer points which I pray for each day I work on my sermon:
- Understanding of the text;
- Memorisation (I make some attempt to memorise the passage over the course of the week);
- Understanding of my reading of books;
- Sermon composition;
- Application of the sermon to my own heart;
- Forgiveness of sin, mine and others (primarily that my preaching will not be hindered by deliberate sins);
- Delivery;
- Christians present for the sermon;
- Non-Christians present for the sermon.
If anyone has further suggestions of good prayer points to be prayed for during sermon preparation, I'm all ears.
Next week's reading
Continue reading Part 4 by reading Chapter 3, 'The Scriptural mode of preaching the law'.
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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