I mentioned yesterday that I was deeply convicted by my own study and preaching for that sermon in particular.
I hope that my heart is always in it. I pray that my interaction with the Word is always formative for my own soul. Some times and texts are special. And this was one of those.
A couple of our pastors/elders mentioned to me in the hallway that after hearing the sermon on spiritual leadership they were ready to resign. They were joking (…I think…)
I certainly felt unworthy to deliver the message. But I knew that it was God’s Word that He wanted spoken to His beloved people.
Please pray for me and for all of the leaders here at RBC. Here is a prayer from Valley of Vision titled “The Minister’s Prayer”
A Minister’s Prayer
“O MY LORD,
Let not my ministry be approved only by men,
or merely win the esteem and affections of people;
But do the work of grace in their hearts,
call in thy elect,
seal and edify the regenerate ones,
and command eternal blessings on their souls.
Save me from self-opinion and self-seeking;
Water the hearts of those who hear thy Word,
that seed sown in weakness may be raised in power;
Cause me and those that hear me
to behold thee here in the light of special faith,
and hereafter in the blaze of endless glory;
Make my every sermon a means of grace to myself,
and help me to experience the power of thy dying love,
for thy blood is balm,
thy presence bliss,
thy smile heaven,
thy cross the place where truth and mercy meet.
Look upon the doubts and discouragements of my ministry
and keep me from self-importance;
I beg pardon for my many sins, omissions, infirmities,
as a man, as a minister;
Command thy blessings on my weak, unworthy labors,
and on the message of salvation given;
Stay with thy people,
and may thy presence be their portions and mine.
When I preach to others let not my words be merely elegant and masterly,
my reasoning polished and refined,
my performance powerless and tasteless,
but may I exhalt thee and humble sinners,
O Lord of power and grace,
all hearts are in thy hands, all events at thy disposal,
set the seal of thy almighty will upon my ministry.”