As I prepare to preach on Romans 15 at the end of this month, I am reminded of our need. If the Holy Spirit does not illuminate God’s word then a sermon is just one preacher stumbling around in the dark trying to tell a blind man where to go. This is a prayer that I wrote in order to focus. I hope it helps.
All wise father
The beginning and the end of every truth
You have given us Your perfect word
That we may be instructed, taught to walk in Your ways
Your word is a light unto my feet that makes clear the path to your throne
Today I endeavor to add commentary to the reading of your word
Grant me clarity that I would not obscure the text with mindless rambles
Wisdom that I may discern the encouraging comments from the harmful barbs
Grace that I may speak to my fellow fugitives as one forgiven
Humility that I would see myself not as a king exalted to the platform but as a servant, washing Your children’s feet
And may Your children receive Your word with pure delight
May Your Spirit turn this service into a cool, refreshing stream that sustains us through the week
May the light of Your holiness convict us of our sins and lead us to repentance
Oh God of infinite mercy
Open every ear
Take the scales away from every eye
Melt every heart of stone
That Your word may enter in and transform us into the image of Your Son.
In His holy name we pray
Amen
“A Preacher’s Prayer of Illumination” by Dan Loch