The Pastor In Prayer

by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

When the American evangelist D.L. Moody spoke in the Metropolitan Tabernacle in October 1892, he recalled an earlier visit twenty-five years previously. He had come four thousand miles, he said, to hear C.H. Spurgeon, but what impressed him most was not the sermon, nor the singing of the great congregation, but Spurgeon's prayer. Such was his access to God that he seemed to be able to bring down power from heaven. This was the great secret, Moody believed, of Spurgeon's influence and success. This collection of prayers drawn primarily from Sunday morning services at the Tabernacle will make a similar impression on readers today. In this book we see Spurgeon come into the presence of God with deep reverence, yet with unquestioning child-like confidence, to plead God's promises in Scripture and to revel in the nearness to God into which Christ has brought all who believe. The Pastor in Prayer will inspire those who lead public worship and all Christians with a fresh sense of the privilege of prayer, and a renewed desire to 'come boldly to the throne of grace'., there to 'obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need'.

Genres: Prayer, Theology, Christian, Christianity, Devotional, Faith

147 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1997

About the author

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was England's best-known preacher for most of the second half of the nineteenth century. In 1854, just four years after his conversion, Spurgeon, then only 20, became pastor of London's famed New Park Street Church (formerly pastored by the famous Baptist theologian, John Gill). The congregation quickly outgrew their building, moved to Exeter Hall, then to Surrey Music Hall. In these venues, Spurgeon frequently preached to audiences numbering more than 10,000—all in the days before electronic amplification. In 1861, the congregation moved permanently to the newly constructed Metropolitan Tabernacle.

Reviews

[Jack Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Lord lead us safely on to His eternal kingdom. We will not ask whether the road will be rough or smooth. We will leave that with Thee; only bring us to behold the face of Him we love. If Thou wilt give us bread to eat and raiment to put on, and bring us to our Father’s house in peace, it is all we ask below. Whatsoever Thy will ordains, only do bring us to our Father’s house in peace. Grant us this.”

[Candace Jane Coran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Speak humbly and simply to God

Too wordy and full of ancient terms. Would not recommend this type of praying to pastors of this day. Do understand that it was written long ago.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection of pastoral prayers. I found it fascinating that Spurgeon in most of his corporate prayers pray at the end that God would prevent England from getting into war and for peace in the land so we in this day and age can follow his steps and do the same!

[David Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were more books that were collections of prayers - this was quite an enjoyable read and could be used as a devotional (indeed, you have to read through a book like this slowly). In the spirit of C.S. Lewis' famous recommendation, this is also an "old book" - Spurgeon's world is not our world, and you're getting a glimpse into the cares and concerns of another age. There is also an appendix on public prayer which is, at times, laugh-out-loud funny and also quite helpful, especially for pastors I'd imagine. (Speaking of old concerns, there is a paragraph in this last section on the propriety of wearing hats during prayers and sermons!)

Spurgeon's prayers are also scripture saturated in the extreme - I feel like the guy just about had the Bible memorized. Highly recommended book - I don't give 5 stars often!

[Kathy Penrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to learn how to pray, you won't find a better guide, other than Jesus Himself. Spurgeon's prayers give us inspiration and encouragement to pray more and to pray better. I read these prayers a few a week in my quiet times and some I read and prayed more than once. Spurgeon knew how to pray and we will all benefit from following his examples of prayer.

[Brandon Current · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-Read. This book is a collection of Spurgeon's Sunday morning prayers. They are rich and instructive. I have loved them as morning devotional to orient my mind towards Christ and his kingdom. It has also taught me much about prayer and I highly recommend it to every pastor to see the role of prayer in the service.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a collection of Spurgeon's pastoral prayers that he prayed in his church gatherings (complete with preaching texts and hymn numbers too). Some really great stuff in here, though some of the transcriptions are a little sloppy. Cool to see the rhythms of what one of your heroes did as a shepherd each week with his church family.

[Victor Chininin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent compilation of prayers - an example for us to run to the Savior in heartfelt and Scripture-saturated prayer.

[Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't really get into this one.

[William Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pastoral prayers of Spurgeon (at least 26 of them). A prelude to his sermons.

[Stephen Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book for awhile, but there is a lot of repetition in the prayers which made it hard to stay in engaged after awhile because they were somewhat predictable. But without a doubt there is a lot of learn from the way that Spurgeon lead his church in prayer. Some of which include, consistently praying for the lost, praying rich theology, praying for the government, praying for other churches, praying for holiness, praying for a nearness of God’s presence, and praying for children’s ministry and other branches of the church.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hearing a man or woman in prayer will vividly reveal their inner workings. What they petition God for says a lot about their life pursuits.

This is a collection of public prayers by the great 19th century British pastor, Charles Spurgeon. You will find the language cumbersome at times since it is consistent with that era, yet there is such depth of soul. What stood out to me were his pastoral concerns for others, his intercession for nations and, most of all, his passions for all to know Christ. This book models pastoral prayer in a beautiful way.

[Yolanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent collection of prayers because it can teach one how to pray. It is written in Charles Spurgeon's language (1800's Old English) so it can be difficult to understand some of it, but if read slowly, one can grasp the spritiual meanings and sense him pouring out his heart to God. It can be a motivating devotional to help us with our own prayers and suplications. I highly recommend this book. I know I will be re-reading it over and over again!

[Ryan Klotzle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small collection of some of C.H. Spurgeon's Prayers is a gem from the mine that is C.H. Spurgeon. While Spurgeon is known for not wanting his prayers recorded and printed these few examples of his prayers are full of his massive heart and compassion. It serves as both an example and a foundation for those who desire to grow in prayer and compassion.

[Andrew Mcneill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of prayers from Spurgeon that he prayed at various church services. They show something of the eloquence and piety of the man and provide helpful guidelines for our own prayers.

[Bradley Somers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Id give this 3 1/2 stars if I could. I love reading how and what Spurgeon prayed with his congregation. Was most encouraged with he prayed for salvations and the peace of his nation. This will take quiet room and is best digested as a slow read.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spurgeon stuff was great. The editing…needs work. Did you know we are “mute titan conquerors” in Christ? Periods and commas in all sorts of places they didn’t belong, missing from places they did.

[Jerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm generally not a fan of long pastoral prayers, but then there is Spurgeon. These are wonderful.

[Danny Lamonte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I just spent time is a humble pastor’s prayer room listening to him bask in the presence of God.

[Andrzej Stelmasiak · Rating 2 out of 5]

He certainly was a master of allegory and flowery, verbose language. One good thing about it: his love for Jesus shines on every page.

[Michael Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's a little gem—a collection of Spurgeon's pastoral prayers.

[Carey Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long love the prince

A great collection of posters from the prince of posters preachers himself. Great for inspiration and devotional study. You can't to wrong reading Spurgeon

[Tim Bayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serves as a fantastic guide, example, and impetus for both private and public prayers, especially pastoral prayers.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to Spurgeon style (and any good preacher for that matter), I was challenged, chastised, encouraged and made to smile at turns in this book. Originally intended to instruct and uplift pastors, the book has since encouraged thousands of serious Christians the world over.

[Bruce Dinsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of many titles From C.H. Spurgeon. This one, in particular, is for Pastors trying to keep them focused on God's grace so that they can communicate it to their congregation.

[Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into how Spurgeon prayed before he preached.
What struck me about the prayers
- apparent ease which he prayed
- long prayers
- of the cuff, yet usually around a topic in the Christian life or a character quality of God
- even in the 1800's he prayed for Muslims (as well as Roman Catholics)
- pretty slow reading the 19th century English

[Todd Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book which I highly recommend.