Intercessory Prayer

Study Guide for “Intercessory Prayer” Sermon by C. H. Spurgeon

Introduction

In this powerful sermon, C. H. Spurgeon emphasizes the vital duty of intercessory prayer, both for fellow believers and for those who do not yet know Christ. Drawing from Psalm 141:5, Spurgeon illustrates how David exemplified a heart of gratitude and love through his prayers for others, even those who may have wronged him. The sermon calls Christians to embrace their obligation, honor, and excellence in interceding for one another, highlighting the transformative power of prayer in the life of the church and the world.

Discussion Questions

  1. Understanding Intercession: What does intercessory prayer mean to you personally? How does it differ from other forms of prayer?

  2. Obligation to Pray: Spurgeon mentions that it is a natural instinct for a renewed believer to pray for others. Reflect on your own prayer life. How often do you include others in your prayers, and why is this important?

  3. Impact of Intercession: How have you experienced the effects of someone praying for you? Can you recall a time when you felt the power of intercessory prayer in your life?

  4. Praying for the Unkind: Spurgeon challenges us to pray for those who may have hurt us. How can praying for someone who has wronged you change your perspective or relationship with them?

  5. Unity in the Body of Christ: In what ways does intercessory prayer foster unity among believers? How can you actively promote this unity in your church community?

  6. Praying for the Lost: Spurgeon urges us to persistently pray for the unconverted. Who in your life can you commit to praying for regularly? What specific prayers can you lift up for them?

  7. Personal Application: After reflecting on this sermon, what steps can you take to enhance your practice of intercessory prayer? Consider setting specific times or methods for praying for others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of prayer and the privilege of interceding for others. Help me to cultivate a heart that is eager to pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as for those who do not yet know You. Teach me to love those who may have wronged me and to lift them up in prayer. May my intercessions be filled with hope and compassion, reflecting Your love and grace. Empower me to be persistent in praying for the lost, believing that no one is beyond Your reach. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Similar Posts

  • Christ’s First and Last Subject

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon emphasizes the centrality of repentance in the ministry of Jesus Christ. He highlights that repentance was the first message Jesus preached and the last command He gave to His disciples. Spurgeon explores the origin, essentials, companions, and excellencies of true repentance, illustrating its vital role in the believer’s life and relationship with God.

  • The Way Everlasting

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, C. H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of choosing the right path in life—the “way everlasting.” He reflects on the transient nature of sinful paths and the eternal significance of following Christ. Spurgeon encourages believers to seek God’s guidance in their journey, acknowledging their need for divine leadership in navigating life’s complexities. The sermon serves as a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment are found in the way of righteousness, which leads to everlasting life.

  • Encourage Your Minister

    Byeditor

    In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of encouragement within the Christian community, particularly for ministers who bear the weight of spiritual leadership. Drawing from the story of Moses and Joshua, Spurgeon illustrates how God cares for His servants and desires them to be filled with courage. He urges believers to support one another, especially their ministers, as they navigate the challenges of faith and service.

  • Full Redemption

    Byeditor

    In this powerful sermon, C.H. Spurgeon explores the profound truth that Christ demands the entirety of our being and our lives. Using the biblical account of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt, Spurgeon emphasizes that God will not leave behind even a single hoof of His people. This message serves as a reminder of Christ’s complete redemption and His desire for us to surrender wholly to Him, leaving no part of our lives uncommitted.

  • The Sine Qua Non

    Byeditor

    In this sermon, C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the essential nature of being spiritually washed by Christ in order to have a part in Him. Using the example of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, Spurgeon illustrates that this act symbolizes the deeper spiritual cleansing that is necessary for all believers. He stresses that it is not through our own merit, but through Christ’s mercy and sacrifice that we are cleansed and made partakers of His grace.

  • Winnowing Time

    Byeditor

    In this powerful sermon, C. H. Spurgeon reflects on the distinction between the wheat and the chaff, drawing from Jeremiah 23:28. He emphasizes God’s judgment on false prophets and the importance of genuine faith and ministry. Spurgeon urges believers to examine their own lives and ministries, seeking to rid themselves of anything that is not true and valuable in the sight of God. The sermon serves as a call to authenticity in faith and a reminder of the ultimate separation between the righteous and the unrighteous.