We stand with you in this holy moment as you prepare to preach the Word of God to those gathered today. What a sacred responsibility and privilege it is to proclaim the truth of Scripture, and we are confident that the Lord has called you to this task for such a time as this. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 3:5-6, *"Not that we are sufficient by ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who has also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."* It is not by your own strength or wisdom that you will speak, but by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who will breathe life into every word.
Yet we must also remember the warning in James 3:1, *"Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment."* This is a solemn reminder that those who teach the Word will be held to a higher standard. Therefore, we pray that you would speak with humility, clarity, and boldness, never shrinking back from declaring the full counsel of God—even the difficult truths that convict and challenge. Preach Christ crucified, risen, and coming again, for it is only in Him that there is salvation, hope, and transformation.
We also lift up those who will hear the message today. May their hearts be tender and receptive, as described in Ezekiel 36:26: *"I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh."* Pray that the Lord would break up any fallow ground, remove distractions, and open their eyes to see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Some may come with hardened hearts, others with wounds or skepticism, but the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to pierce to the division of soul and spirit (Hebrews 4:12). Trust that the Lord will use your words to accomplish His purposes, whether for salvation, conviction, encouragement, or correction.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with reverence and expectation, asking that You would mightily anoint Your servant as they stand to preach Your Word today. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit, just as You filled the disciples on the day of Pentecost, that they may speak with boldness and authority. Lord, let Your presence go before them, softening hearts and preparing the way for Your truth to take root. Remove any fear, distraction, or self-reliance, and let them lean entirely on You.
We ask that You would give them the right words, the precise Scriptures, and the discernment to know what to emphasize, what to rebuke, and what to encourage. May they not shrink back from declaring the whole counsel of Your Word, even the parts that are unpopular or convicting. Let them preach Christ and Him crucified, for it is in His name alone that there is power for salvation.
Father, we pray for those who will hear the message today. Open their ears to hear, their eyes to see, and their hearts to receive. Convict those who are living in sin, comfort those who are broken, and strengthen those who are weak. Let there be no mistaking that it is You who is speaking through Your servant, and may Your name be glorified above all.
We rebuke any scheme of the enemy that would seek to hinder this time—whether through technical difficulties, apathy, or opposition. Let the enemy be silenced, and let the Word of the Lord run swiftly and powerfully, accomplishing exactly what You send it to do.
Finally, we thank You, Lord, for the privilege of being vessels for Your truth. May this time of preaching bring You honor, advance Your Kingdom, and draw many closer to You. We ask all this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.