Study Less. Pray More.
I know this is one of those statements that could be easily misinterpreted so I better say this: study to show yourself approved. I'm not suggesting that you study less. I'm simply suggesting that you pray more. And I'm talking specifically about sermon prep. I think we'd preach with more passion if we tweaked the amount of time we pray in proportion to the amount of time we study. So maybe I should say: study more and pray even more.
Right before an important message to the nation of Israel, it says the prophet Samuel "rehearsed it with God." He prayed through his message. I think this is the missing link in lots of messages. We prepare a message, but we don't pray through the message. We don't "rehearse it with God."
All I know is this: I preach with more conviction and more energy when I "rehearse it with God." In fact, I think it's the difference between a pastoral voice and a prophetic voice. It's the difference between timeless truth and timely truth. It's the difference between a convicting message and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Study more. Pray even more.
I know this is one of those statements that could be easily misinterpreted so I better say this: study to show yourself approved. I'm not suggesting that you study less. I'm simply suggesting that you pray more. And I'm talking specifically about sermon prep. I think we'd preach with more passion if we tweaked the amount of time we pray in proportion to the amount of time we study. So maybe I should say: study more and pray even more.
Right before an important message to the nation of Israel, it says the prophet Samuel "rehearsed it with God." He prayed through his message. I think this is the missing link in lots of messages. We prepare a message, but we don't pray through the message. We don't "rehearse it with God."
All I know is this: I preach with more conviction and more energy when I "rehearse it with God." In fact, I think it's the difference between a pastoral voice and a prophetic voice. It's the difference between timeless truth and timely truth. It's the difference between a convicting message and the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Study more. Pray even more.
8 Comments:
What a great, and timely reminder as I'm preparing to preach this weekend! Thanks!
I am an ancient youth worker, speaking at about my 190th week of teen camp, and my 2nd of the summer (of 7)...your reminder came at an apropos time; I intend to put this in my "read regularly" file...I never want to "go through the motions" (cue Matthew West) of following Christ or bragging on Jesus. Thanks, Mark, for your ministry...I'm chasing the goose!
Thanks Mark! This is a great reminder to do our studying as Luther would say "Coram Deo" (In The Presence of God)". It is all too easy to study God like a subject, but we must be continually reminded that he is present, and we could be encountered by Him at any moment. Let's link the too, study should be prayerful engagement with God.
Thanks Mark...this was timely for me.
Oh man, when I reflect on the times I've had it and the times I haven't had it, I step back and realize that the one thing that makes the difference is lacing preparation with a different kind of prayer.
I'm not a pastor so I cannot speak to the preaching side of this. But as a child of God I find more change in me when I pray. I think it is because I am able to study on my own. Prayer is something I cannot do alone. The very act of praying draws me into communion with God. Since He is the one transforming me time spent with Him should cause change in me.
years ago I was struggling with the pressure of coming up with new sermons... I often prayed for God to give me sermons. Then, I heard Him simply say, "Don't pray for sermons, let sermons come from your prayers" ~ profound, huh?
~ I started journaling during my times with the King and have never looked back. This ensures that the message flows through me before it's shared with others - keeps me from saying "you need" (pointing finger) and simply saying "we"...
Great post, Mark (like usual). Thanks!
Chilly,
That is so good :) Love it.
Mark
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