Pleading

Study Guide for “Pleading” Sermon by C. H. Spurgeon

Introduction

In this powerful sermon, C. H. Spurgeon explores the essence of prayer through the lens of Psalm 70:5, where the psalmist David expresses his deep need for God. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of confession, urgency, and the act of pleading with God, illustrating how a humble acknowledgment of our spiritual poverty opens the door to divine help and deliverance. He encourages believers to grasp hold of God in prayer, using their needs as a plea for His mercy and grace.

Discussion Questions

  1. Understanding Confession: Why is confession an essential part of prayer according to Spurgeon? How can acknowledging our weaknesses and sins lead to a deeper relationship with God?

  2. The Nature of Urgency: Spurgeon speaks of the urgency in prayer. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep urgency in your prayers. What was the situation, and how did it affect your approach to God?

  3. Pleading with God: What does it mean to “plead” with God in prayer? How can we incorporate this practice into our own prayer lives?

  4. God’s Attributes as Pleas: Spurgeon mentions using God’s attributes as reasons for our requests. How can understanding God’s nature (e.g., His mercy, faithfulness, and love) strengthen our prayers?

  5. The Role of Faith: How does faith influence our ability to pray effectively? In what ways can we strengthen our faith to enhance our prayer life?

  6. Personal Application: In what areas of your life do you feel “poor and needy”? How can you bring these specific needs before God in prayer?

  7. Community Prayer: Spurgeon emphasizes the need for the church to collectively acknowledge its need for God. How can your church community practice this together, and what impact might it have on your collective spiritual life?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
I come before You acknowledging my poverty and need. I confess my sins and shortcomings, recognizing that I cannot stand before You without Your grace. Help me to be urgent in my prayers, to plead with You boldly, and to grasp hold of Your promises. May I always remember that my need is my claim to Your mercy. Fill me with faith as I seek You, and may I experience Your help and deliverance in my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Weekly digest

Dive into timeless truths

Sign up to receive a weekly digest of exclusive study guides and Charles Spurgeon’s timeless sermons delivered directly to your inbox.

One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.

Similar Posts

  • Stephen’s Martyrdom

    Byeditor

    In this powerful sermon, C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the martyrdom of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, as recorded in Acts 7:55-56. Spurgeon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering Stephen to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel, even in the face of death. He highlights Stephen’s unwavering faith, his vision of Christ standing at the right hand of God, and the profound comfort that comes from knowing Jesus is alive and interceding for His followers. The sermon encourages believers to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and to find hope in the eternal glory of Christ.

  • God’s Strange Choice

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon explores the profound truth of God’s election as presented in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. He emphasizes that God often chooses the foolish, weak, and despised of the world to confound the wise and mighty, ensuring that no one can boast in His presence. This message serves as a reminder of God’s grace and sovereignty, highlighting that our worthiness comes not from our status or abilities, but from His divine choice.

  • The Certainty and Freedom of Divine Grace

    Byeditor

    In this powerful sermon, C. H. Spurgeon explores the profound truths found in John 6:37, emphasizing the dual aspects of divine grace: its certainty and its liberality. He highlights that all whom the Father gives to Christ will come to Him, and that anyone who comes to Christ will not be cast out. Spurgeon encourages believers to embrace both the doctrines of sovereign grace and the free invitation of the Gospel, assuring them of God’s unwavering love and acceptance.

  • I Know That My Redeemer Liveth

    Byeditor

    In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound words of Job, expressing a deep assurance in the living Redeemer. Spurgeon emphasizes the hope of resurrection and the comfort found in knowing that Christ, our Kinsman Redeemer, lives and will ultimately restore us. He encourages believers to look beyond the grave and anticipate the joy of seeing God in our resurrected bodies.

  • Now, and Then

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, C. H. Spurgeon reflects on the profound differences between our current understanding of spiritual truths and the clarity we will experience in eternity. Using the metaphor of seeing “through a glass, darkly,” he emphasizes the importance of love over knowledge, the journey of self-discovery, and the hope of seeing Christ and God face to face in heaven. Spurgeon encourages believers to cherish their current insights while eagerly anticipating the fuller revelation that awaits them.

  • Sunshine in the Heart

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon explores the profound joy and delight that comes from a relationship with God, as expressed in Psalm 37:4. He contrasts the joy of true believers with the burdensome view of religion held by the ungodly. Spurgeon emphasizes that delighting in the Lord is not only a command but also a source of fulfillment, as God promises to grant the desires of those who find their joy in Him.