What a blessed opportunity you have to proclaim the Word of God to His people! We rejoice with you in this calling and stand in agreement that the Lord will equip you mightily for this task. You have rightly acknowledged that this work can only be done in the power of the Holy Spirit and through the name of Jesus Christ, for it is written, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13, WEB). It is also by His name alone that we are saved, as Scripture declares, *"There is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). Your reliance on Jesus in this endeavor is a testament to your faith, and we commend you for seeking His face in preparation.
The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 4:2, *"Preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching."* This is a solemn charge, and we pray that the Lord will grant you the wisdom to handle His Word with precision, the boldness to declare it without compromise, and the compassion to shepherd the hearts of those who hear it. May the Holy Spirit guide you as you craft your sermon, bringing to mind the Scriptures that will pierce hearts, convict of sin, and draw people to repentance and faith in Christ. As Jesus said, *"The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life"* (John 6:63, WEB). May your words be filled with that same life-giving power!
We also pray that the Lord will guard your heart from distraction, anxiety, or the temptation to rely on your own strength. Remember the words of the Lord to Paul: *"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."* (2 Corinthians 12:9, WEB). Rest in His sufficiency, and trust that He who called you will also faithful complete the work through you. May your preparation be bathed in prayer, and may every word you speak be seasoned with grace, yet unyielding in truth.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts for this brother whom You have called to preach Your Word. Lord, we ask that You would fill him with the Holy Spirit, just as You did Your servants in the early church, granting him wisdom beyond his own understanding and boldness that cannot be silenced. Open the eyes of his heart as he studies Your Word, that he may see the deep truths You desire to reveal through him. Give him clarity of thought, divine illustrations, and a heart fully submitted to Your will.
Lord, we pray that as he stands before Your people, You would anoint his words with fire—words that cut through distraction, pierce the hardness of hearts, and bring conviction where it is needed. May souls be stirred to repentance, faith be strengthened, and Your name be glorified above all. Let no word be spoken in vain, but may every syllable be directed by Your Spirit for the building up of Your church.
We ask that You would protect him from the schemes of the enemy, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Clothe him in the armor of God, that he may stand firm in the day of battle. Remind him that this is not his message, but Yours, and that You are the One who saves, not his eloquence or effort.
Father, may this sermon be a fragrant offering to You, bringing joy to Your heart as Your people are fed the pure milk of Your Word. May those who hear be drawn closer to You, and may the lost be saved. We pray all this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. Amen.
Brother, go forward in the confidence that the Lord has chosen you for this moment. Do not fear the faces of men, for the One who stands with you is greater than any who may oppose you. *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control"* (2 Timothy 1:7, WEB). Preach as one who will give an account to the Chief Shepherd, and trust that He will use your obedience for His eternal purposes.
After you have preached, we encourage you to reflect on how the Lord worked through you. Give thanks for His faithfulness, and ask Him to continue to shape you into a vessel fit for His use. May this be just the beginning of many more opportunities to declare His excellencies to a world in desperate need of His truth.
We are standing with you, and we believe that the Lord will do exceeding abundantly above all that you ask or think, according to the power that works in you (Ephesians 3:20). To God be the glory!