Note: For fans of Spurgeon have you checked out my Review: Charles Spurgeon Framed Art Print?
Charles H. Spurgeon. Effective Prayer. Pensacola, FL: Chapel Library, June 24th 2015. 20 pp.
5 out of 5
Free: Chapel Library
Purchase: Amazon (99 cents for Kindle)
How can you pray more biblically and powerfully? This booklet is Spurgeon’s sermon on Job 23:3-4 on the topic of praying effectively. Since 2016 I started reading a number of sermons by the famous English preacher Charles Spurgeon and have desired to read more of his writings so here I am in 2020 still being edified by the content of his preaching.
The booklet is divided into three parts. Point one is titled “Ordering Our cause Before God,” while part two is titled “Filling our Mouths with Arguments” and finally part three is titled “Praise and Thanksgiving.”
Of the three points in this message part two was the one that really stood out to me. Part three is rather brief, almost an afterthought. But with part two there’s a lot of gold. Spurgeon here talks about how we should pray and specifically that we go to God in our prayers to plead with God to hear us according to good “arguments.” Arguments here does not refer to being combative with God or quarrelling but the reasons and ground for why God hears us. Spurgeon makes it clear that arguments in prayer is not for God’s benefits but really it is for ours. I thought Spurgeon made a good point that good arguments isn’t just intellectual but it serves the purpose of also stirring up our fervency in prayer. That’s important to know!
Under part two Spurgeon also note how the very act of praying is a blessing and really it’s a double blessing if you think about it: Not only is there the blessing of obtaining the blessing but also the blessing of seeking God. Let me share with you the actual awesome quote: “If God’s mercies came to us unasked, they would not be half so useful as they now are, when they have to be sought for, for now we get a double blessing, a blessing in the obtaining, and a blessing in the seeking. The very act of prayer is a blessing.” Spurgeon taught that we can employ arguments from our enemies as our arguments in our prayers for God to answer, kind of like Hezekiah in Isaiah 36-37 bringing Rabshaken’s blasphemy against the Lord as a prayer of concern to God. Spurgeon didn’t say it this way but I think that’s one of the other blessing of prayer, we take what negative things people say to us as a prayer to the Lord. How comforting. It is comforting to read Spurgeon also say that we ought not to miss another argument for our prayer life to God is about from our own unworthiness; yet God is worthy!
The six types of arguments that Spurgeon identified include arguments from God’s attributes, God’s promises, Great name of God, Suffering of God’s people, the past and the suffering, death, merit and mercies of Jesus Christ.
I have talked a lot about part two but part one is also helpful and edifying; but rather than talk more about this booklet I recommend that you read it yourself for your own edification and fuel for your prayer life.
Love it. Thanks. Great resource.
Thank you Pastor Jim for introducing this booklet on prayer .
You’re welcome! The best part is this can be read for free! I love free good stuff especially if it’s good and biblical! Have you read anything by Spurgeon?
I haven’t read any of his books. Only sermons and articles .
Will look for this booklet today.
Thank you, Jim!
You are welcome! This is one good thing about the internet is that there’s free biblical resources out there for free! That got me thinking of both our blog, which I prayed just now the Lord can use to reach the lost around the World and also encourage believers. Can’t wait to hear in heaven what God is doing through this.
Same sentiments, Jim! GOD willing, He will lead His own to Biblical Christian blogs to make Himself, His saving grace, and His will be known to those persons. Yes, longing to know that too. Thank you for your prayers.
Yes! Thanks!
Thanks, brother! I downloaded this to my Kindle. Please, no more recommendations! I’m trying to whittle down my book pile. 🤓
Aww thanks for reading and downloading it. I slowed down some reviews after the riot of that helps lol. I am trying to get back to my reading habit after everything. This year has been something, but I do notice God working, also within me to think more about prayers and reading things on prayer. What should be things I pray for you today?
RE: Prayer
Thanks, brother! There’s a few people I need to reach out and help, but I’ve been putting it off because of the “inconvenience” and drama. I’d appreciate your prayer for that. What can I pray about for you?
Thank you, Jim, for this from Spurgeon and also the reminder of Chapel Library’s bountiful supply of free literature. I need to send a donation.
Blessings.
I need to donate sometime to them too. How are you doing with everything Fran? I pray for you with your loss of Jerry.
Jim, thank you for asking. I am clinging to the Lord, trusting His goodness and His promise to fill the void with His presence. Blessings
Going to check out Chapel Library in light of your comment
You won’t be disappointed. For years, they have been a faithful source of truth. Blessings.
This is a great book, thank you brother!
Thank you. Pastor Spurgeon knew God’s heart.
Indeed he knew God’s heart; and God knows Him! He’s someone I enjoyed reading more and more as I grow in God. Hope you stay cool in the heart and humidity!
Thank you. Rain storms this weekend.
I enjoyed the review, and it emphasizes one key element for my prayer time: to remain fervent in my conversation time with my Lord.