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Oswald J. Smith
Oswald Jeffrey Smith (1889–1986). Born on November 8, 1889, in Embro, Ontario, Canada, to a Methodist family, Oswald J. Smith became a globally influential pastor, missionary advocate, and hymn writer. Saved at age 16 during a 1906 Toronto revival led by R.A. Torrey, he studied at Toronto Bible College and McCormick Theological Seminary but left before graduating due to financial strain. Ordained in 1915 by the Presbyterian Church of Canada, he pastored small churches before founding The Peoples Church in Toronto in 1928, leading it until 1958, when his son Paul succeeded him. Smith’s church sent millions to missions, supporting over 400 missionaries, earning him the title “the greatest missionary pastor.” He pioneered radio evangelism with Back to the Bible Hour and authored 35 books, including The Passion for Souls and The Man God Uses, emphasizing evangelism and prayer. A prolific hymnist, he wrote over 1,200 hymns and poems, like “Then Jesus Came.” Married to Daisy Billings in 1915, he had three children and died on January 25, 1986, in Toronto. Smith said, “We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.”
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Oswald J. Smith emphasizes the unparalleled power of intercessory prayer as the Christian's most effective weapon, capable of achieving what no other means can. He laments the modern trend of relying on natural methods instead of the God-ordained practice of prayer, which leads to superficial results in evangelism and church work. Smith warns that while outward appearances may suggest success, true spiritual outcomes are often lacking when prayer is neglected. He calls for a return to intercessory prayer, urging believers to persistently seek God's intervention for genuine transformation. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer in achieving supernatural results in the life of the church.
Scriptures
No Substitute for Prayers!
Intercessory prayer is the Christian's most effective weapon. Nothing can withstand it's power. It will do things when all else has failed. And the marvel is that we turn to other agencies in order to accomplish what only prayer can bring to pass. God has placed this mighty weapon in our hands, and He expects us to use it. How disappointed He must be when we lay it a side and substitute natural means for supernatural work. In this twentieth century we are, more and more, turning from the God-appointed means of intercessory prayer and adopting, instead, merely natural agencies for the carrying on of His work. Everywhere we look it is the same, both in evangelism and ordinary church work. Intercessory prayer has been shelved. For some reason it is out of date. Our methods, we say, are better, our plans more successful, and so we adopt natural means to bring to pass the supernatural. My brethren, it can never be done, We may appear to be successful; the crowds may come; the altar may be full night after night. Reported results may be broadcasted everywhere. Whole cities may be stirred and mightily moved! And yet when it is all over and two or three years have passed, how little will be found to be genuine! And why? Simply because we have been satisfied with a superficial, spectacular work, brought to pass by natural means. Consequently the truly supernatural has been largely lacking. Oh let us get back to intercessory prayer, the highest form of Christians service, and give God no rest until we have a spiritual outcome.
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Oswald Jeffrey Smith (1889–1986). Born on November 8, 1889, in Embro, Ontario, Canada, to a Methodist family, Oswald J. Smith became a globally influential pastor, missionary advocate, and hymn writer. Saved at age 16 during a 1906 Toronto revival led by R.A. Torrey, he studied at Toronto Bible College and McCormick Theological Seminary but left before graduating due to financial strain. Ordained in 1915 by the Presbyterian Church of Canada, he pastored small churches before founding The Peoples Church in Toronto in 1928, leading it until 1958, when his son Paul succeeded him. Smith’s church sent millions to missions, supporting over 400 missionaries, earning him the title “the greatest missionary pastor.” He pioneered radio evangelism with Back to the Bible Hour and authored 35 books, including The Passion for Souls and The Man God Uses, emphasizing evangelism and prayer. A prolific hymnist, he wrote over 1,200 hymns and poems, like “Then Jesus Came.” Married to Daisy Billings in 1915, he had three children and died on January 25, 1986, in Toronto. Smith said, “We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.”