Preachers Need To Pray!

This may seem like a shock that I would write this: "Preachers need to pray." Many years ago, one of the preachers that I highly respect and admire, who I will not name, shared with me that they did not have much of a prayer life. They were not bragging or boasting, but very soberly and reflectively shared that they did not have much of a prayer life.

When I heard this, my heart sank. It was like superman just disclosed his kryptonite! It was as if someone just let the air out of my balloon! But as I look back on that conversation I appreciate the transparency and humility required to make that statement.

Preachers we need to pray! In my short preaching ministry over the last almost twenty years--I have been driven to my knees. I really don't know how we can survive the daily grind of ministry without prayer. I don't need to tell you about the benefits of prayer. But that hymn keeps coming back to my remembrance that includes the phrase, "Oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer..."

Prayer is like including fruits and vegetables in your diet. You may not notice it day to day, but there are short and long term benefits. Spiritually speaking, a daily habit of prayer provides short and long term benefits.

For me prayer keeps me centered on Christ Jesus. Prayer helps me not to rely on my own intellect and ability in preaching or any other ministry task. The congregation that God has blessed me to pastor is a tremendous congregation, and if we aren't careful we can do a lot of things without God. Prayer helps us to keep the congregation centered on Christ Jesus and to know that without Christ we can do nothing.

Particular in preaching, I pray during the week about the sermon preparation and delivery. I pray before I start the sermon preparation; I pray periodically during the sermon preparation (especially when I'm stuck); I pray for illustrations; I pray for just the right way to say what God has laid on my heart; I pray to remain biblical; I pray for the Holy Spirit to quicken me when tempted to say what the text does not say! I even pray for the titles of messages. After all, this is holy work! We need to make sure that we invite God into the study as well as in the pulpit.

Recently I was stuck and couldn't come up with a title for a message. A title that would catch the congregation's attention and yet not give everything away. I prayed!Then one of our Associate Pastors came by my office and in the midst of our conversation, the title for the message came out of that conversation. That was not an accident, that was God answering the prayer.

Before I rise to the pulpit I ask God to forgive me of my sins so nothing would block or hinder the preaching moment, that moment of truth. I pray for energy, especially as I approach the third sermon on Sunday. I pray, "God this is my third sermon, but for the congregation it is their first sermon and may be the only sermon they hear this week. Dear Lord give me the strength and energy to preach with your power."

If you haven't figured it out, I am afraid to approach this sacred work (preaching)without prayer. There are so many "good" things that will steal our time with God. Preachers, we must religiously guard our prayer time. Don't be embarrassed to postpone or delay a meeting because your in prayer. It is good to have a preacher that prays! The title by Bill Hybel's book says it all: "Too Busy Not To Pray" http://tiny.cc/qnOeF.

Just think of Jesus' model, he was constantly stealing away to pray. If it was good enough for Jesus, it is absolutely necessary for us that we pray! And for you who are naturally gifted to speak well--I pray for you! The enemy will tempt you to go it alone.

Know that you are not alone, you are part of God's remnant, keep praying! As you prepare the sermon this week, add more prayer.

By the way, do you feel you get enough prayer time surrounding the preaching process? Leave a comment and let me and others know, thanks.