Originally published in 1907 as "Preacher and Prayer"
Revised version produced by ScrollReader.com
Forewords by Reverend A.C. Dixon and Albert A. Head highlight the book's significance.
Forewords
A.C. Dixon
Received the book as a gift and was intrigued by the statement: "Man is God's method, the church is looking for better methods, God is looking for better men."
The book deepens understanding of prayer and increases desire to pray.
Albert A. Head
Emphasizes the church's need for a deeper sense of power in prayer and commitment to prayer.
The author offers a diagnosis of the current state of prayer among church members.
Chapter 1: The Preacher's Character and Its Influence
Richard Baxter: ministers should balance recreation with their duty to help others.
The character of the preacher significantly affects the effectiveness of the Gospel.
God's method of using individuals highlights the need for personal integrity in ministry.
The Holy Spirit works through men, not methods.
Chapter 2: Total Death to Self and Surrender to God
Discusses the challenges of self-reliance and the need for spiritual humility.
Spiritual vitality comes from deep dependence on God through prayer.
Chapter 3: The Preaching That Kills
Orthodoxy can lead to spiritual lifelessness if not accompanied by heartfelt devotion and prayer.
Emphasizes the importance of fervent and meaningful prayer in ministry.
Chapter 4: The Transformative Power of Prayer
Prayer is essential for personal godliness and effective ministry.
It transforms the preacher and enriches their ministry.
Chapter 5: Igniting the Sermon Through Prayer
Prayer must be a constant force in a preacher's life to influence their preaching.
Genuine prayer establishes a strong connection with God and enhances sermon delivery.
Chapter 6: How Prayer Shapes Holiness in Ministry
Successful ministry is rooted in prayer.
A prayerful ministry leads to spiritual growth and deeper connections with God.
Chapter 7: The Power of Prolonged Prayer
Extended times of prayer are essential for effective ministry.
The biblical figures exemplify the power of deep, sustained prayer.
Chapter 8: Starting Your Day with God
Emphasizes the importance of morning prayer to set the spiritual tone for the day.
Chapter 9: Advancing Holiness in an Age of Challenge
Calls for preachers to embody holiness and spiritual fervor amidst worldly influences.
Chapter 10: A Life Devoted to Prayer
Highlights the lives of dedicated preachers who relied heavily on prayer, like David Brainard.
Chapter 11: The Great Need of Heart Preparation
Preachers should prioritize heart preparation over mere intellectual preparation.
Chapter 12: Give Me Thy Heart
The heart is central to effective preaching; true conversion and transformation occur in the heart.
Chapter 13: The Significance of Preaching with Unction
Discusses the importance of spiritual anointing in preaching, which comes from prayer.
Chapter 14: Do You Have Unction or Just Earnestness?
Distinguishes between unction (divine anointing) and mere earnestness in preaching.
Chapter 15: We Must Have This Unction When Preaching
Unction is essential for impactful preaching; it must flow from a life of prayer.
Chapter 16: Apostolic Praying for Your People
Apostolic leaders prioritize prayer for their congregations, emphasizing its importance in ministry effectiveness.
Chapter 17: Dedicated Prayer and Waiting on God
Urges the need for longer, more meaningful prayer sessions to foster spiritual growth.
Chapter 18: Do You Pray for Your Pastors?
Prayer for preachers is essential; congregations should support their pastors through prayer.
Chapter 19: A Generation of Saints Who Neglect True Prayer
Calls for leadership that inspires prayerfulness among believers, warning against a generation that neglects prayer.
Conclusion
The book emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in personal life and ministry, urging readers to commit to a life of prayer.
Encourages a continual reliance on prayer as a source of strength and guidance in a preacher's life.