But I Give Myself Unto Prayer
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer as a daily habit and the need for fervent and continued prayer to be effective in our supplications.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the power and necessity of fervent prayer in the face of adversity, using David's example of turning to God rather than defending himself against slander. He illustrates that true prayer requires the full engagement of one's heart and soul, akin to Jacob wrestling with the angel, and warns against the distractions that can hinder our communication with God. Spurgeon encourages believers to make prayer a consistent and passionate practice, rather than a sporadic effort, highlighting that perseverance in prayer is essential for receiving God's blessings. He calls for a deep commitment to prayer, urging that it should be as natural and habitual as breathing.
Text
Lying tongues were busy against the reputation of David, but he did not defend himself; he moved the case into a higher court, and pleaded before the great King Himself. Prayer is the safest method of replying to words of hatred. The Psalmist prayed in no cold-hearted manner, he gave himself to the exercise--threw his whole soul and heart into it--straining every sinew and muscle, as Jacob did when wrestling with the angel. Thus, and thus only, shall any of us speed at the throne of grace.
As a shadow has no power because there is no substance in it, even so that supplication, in which a man's proper self is not thoroughly present in agonizing earnestness and vehement desire, is utterly ineffectual, for it lacks that which would give it force. "Fervent prayer," says an old divine, "like a cannon planted at the gates of heaven, makes them fly open." The common fault with the most of us is our readiness to yield to distractions. Our thoughts go roving hither and thither, and we make little progress towards our desired end. Like quicksilver our mind will not hold together, but rolls off this way and that. How great an evil this is! It injures us, and what is worse, it insults our God.
What should we think of a petitioner, if, while having an audience with a prince, he should be playing with a feather or catching a fly?
Continuance and perseverance are intended in the expression of our text. David did not cry once, and then relapse into silence; his holy clamour was continued till it brought down the blessing. Prayer must not be our chance work, but our daily business, our habit and vocation. As artists give themselves to their models, and poets to their classical pursuits, so must we addict ourselves to prayer. We must be immersed in prayer as in our element, and so pray without ceasing. Lord, teach us so to pray that we may be more and more prevalent in supplication.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Prayer in Replying to Hatred
- The Necessity of Thorough Presence in Prayer
- The Dangers of Distractions in Prayer
- The Importance of Continuance and Perseverance in Prayer
- David's example of continued prayer
- Prayer as a daily business and habit
Key Quotes
“Fervent prayer, like a cannon planted at the gates of heaven, makes them fly open.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Prayer must not be our chance work, but our daily business, our habit and vocation.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“We must be immersed in prayer as in our element, and so pray without ceasing.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We must addict ourselves to prayer as our daily business and habit.
- We must pray with fervent earnestness and desire, giving ourselves thoroughly to the exercise.
- We must be immersed in prayer as in our element, and pray without ceasing.