ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PASTORS (BY SPURGEON) During preparation, fresh springs of thought will frequently come in answer to prayer.

During preparation, fresh springs of thought will frequently come in answer to prayer. So will it be in the delivery of the sermon? Most preachers who depend upon God’s Spirit will tell you that their freshest and best thoughts are not those which were premeditated, but ideas that come to them, flying as on the wings of angels; unexpected treasures brought on a sudden by celestial hands, seeds of the flowers of paradise, wafted from the mountains of myrrh. Often and often when I have felt hampered, both in thought and expression, my secret groaning of heart has brought me relief, and I have enjoyed more than usual liberty.

 

But how dare we pray in the battle if we have never cried to the Lord while buckling on the harness! The remembrance of his wrestlings at home comforts the fettered preacher when in the pulpit: God will not desert us unless we have deserted him. You, brethren, will find that prayer will ensure your strength equal to your day.