Have you ever been in worship and heard this prayer right before the preacher stands to deliver his sermon?
Lord, please help brother Preacherman have a ready recollection of all what he has studied and is able to deliver it today.
Nice prayer. Nothing wrong with that. Although, I would say that if brother Preacherman has prepared and studied well enough he should be able to remember what he studied and should be able to preach it. I mean… that’s his job right?
As a preacher, I have prayed this instead. “Lord, please give them a ready reception of what I deliver from your Holy Word.”
What I want is that the message I prepared from the scriptures will pierce your heart and you will be ready to receive it. Ask yourself these questions:
- How is my attitude towards God’s word?
- How is my attitude when it is preached?
- Am I distracted by applying the message to someone else and never to myself?
- What can I learn today that challenges me?
- What can I change today that will make me a better follower of Jesus?
These questions might spur you on to better receive the Word of God.
James says this, “Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21).
Receiving the Word of God is a salvation issue. Your ability and willingness to listen to the sermon just might save your soul. My prayer is that you would be willing and ready to receive the message God has for you.
God loves you and so do I,
Alexander Mills