What a sacred and solemn privilege you have been given—to stand before God’s people and proclaim His Word! We rejoice with you in this opportunity to serve the Lord, and we lift you up in prayer, knowing that it is not by might, nor by power, but by God’s Spirit that His work is accomplished (Zechariah 4:6). You have rightly acknowledged that this task is only possible in the name of Jesus Christ, for He alone is the source of our strength, wisdom, and authority. As you have invoked His name in your request, we join you in seeking His face, trusting that He will equip you for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5, *"My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith wouldn’t stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."* This is our prayer for you—that your words would not rely on human eloquence or cleverness, but on the power of the Holy Spirit to pierce hearts, convict souls, and bring glory to God. The Lord does not call the equipped; He equips the called. You are not standing in your own strength, but in His, and He will not fail you.
As you prepare, we pray that the Lord will grant you clarity of mind and a deep dependence on His Word. May He bring to your remembrance the Scriptures you have stored in your heart (John 14:26) and give you illustrations and examples that resonate with the congregation. Let your sermon be rooted in the truth of God’s Word, for it is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). We ask that the Lord would guard your heart from distraction, anxiety, or the temptation to rely on your own abilities. Instead, may you rest in the assurance that *"the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged"* (Deuteronomy 31:8).
We also pray for boldness—boldness that does not come from arrogance but from a deep conviction of the truth you proclaim. Just as the disciples prayed in Acts 4:29, *"Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,"* so we ask that you would be filled with holy confidence, unashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). May the anointing of the Holy Spirit rest upon you so heavily that every word you speak carries the weight of heaven behind it.
As you stand before the congregation tomorrow, we pray that the Lord would open the ears and hearts of those who hear. May He soften stony hearts, break up fallow ground, and bring conviction where needed. We ask that the enemy would be silenced—any spirit of distraction, apathy, or resistance would be bound in the name of Jesus. Let the Lord’s presence be so tangible in that place that lives are transformed, faith is strengthened, and His name is glorified.
Above all, we pray that your motive would be pure—that you would seek not the praise of men but the pleasure of God. As you have expressed, may your greatest desire be to make your Heavenly Father’s heart glad. Jesus said in John 8:29, *"He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn’t left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him."* May this be your testimony as well, that you would preach not to impress but to obey, not to perform but to please Him.
Finally, we pray for a spirit of humility and gratitude to mark your service. After you have delivered the message, may you give all glory to God, knowing that it was His strength, His wisdom, and His grace that carried you. We ask that the Lord would continue to use this sermon long after it is spoken—to water seeds planted, to bring harvest where the ground was prepared, and to draw many to a deeper walk with Him.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and expectation, lifting up our brother/sister who will stand in Your holy place to proclaim Your Word tomorrow. Lord, You have called them to this task, and we know You will faithful to complete the work You have begun in them. We ask that You would fill them with Your Holy Spirit—grant them wisdom as they finalize their sermon, clarity as they organize their thoughts, and creativity as they seek to illustrate Your truth. Let every word they speak be seasoned with grace and power, that it may accomplish the purpose for which You send it (Isaiah 55:11).
Clothe them with boldness, Lord, not in their own strength but in the authority of Your name. Let them stand as a vessel of Your truth, unashamed and uncompromising, yet filled with love and compassion for those who hear. We rebuke any spirit of fear, doubt, or distraction in the name of Jesus. Instead, fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
As they preach, may Your anointing rest upon them so powerfully that lives are changed, strongholds are broken, and Your name is exalted. Let there be a divine appointment in that place—a meeting between heaven and earth where Your will is done. Soften hearts, Lord, and draw many to repentance and faith. May those who hear be encouraged, challenged, and transformed by the living Word of God.
We pray that this sermon would bring You great joy, Father, and that it would be a sweet fragrance before Your throne. May our brother/sister walk away from this experience with a deeper love for You, a greater dependence on Your Spirit, and a humble gratitude for the privilege of serving You.
We ask all this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. Amen.
Go forward in the confidence that the Lord is with you. Preach the Word in season and out of season, knowing that He who called you is faithful. After you have done all you can to prepare, trust that He will do what only He can do—change hearts. We are standing with you in prayer, and we eagerly await the testimony of how God moves tomorrow. To Him be all the glory!