The Priority of Prayer in Preaching -- By: James E. Rosscup
Journal: Masters Seminary Journal
Volume: TMSJ 02:1 (Spring 1991)
Article: The Priority of Prayer in Preaching
Author: James E. Rosscup
MSJ 2:1 (Spring 91) p. 21
The Priority of Prayer in Preaching
Professor of Bible Exposition
The Master’s Seminary
Prayer is not an elective but the principal element in the kaleidoscope of spiritual characteristics that mark a preacher. These traits unite into a powerful spiritual force. They build a spokesman for God. Jesus, the finest model, and other effective spokesmen for God have been mighty in prayer coupled with the virtues of godliness and dependence on God. The composite that centers in prayer is conspicuous in God’s long line of proclaimers in the OT, NT, and church history even to the present day. Some books on essentials for preaching slight prayer, but others acknowledge its invaluable role. Preachers who follow the biblical model take prayer very seriously. In sermon preparation, they steep themselves in prayer.
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The preacher who follows the biblical way finds prayer to be a superb weapon. Prayer, blending in composite harmony with other spiritual priorities, is evident in biblical preaching throughout history as an essential quality for the proclaimer through whom God displays His power.
The Necessity of Prayer for Spirituality
If the preacher is to deliver God’s message with power, prayer must permeate his life and furnish a life-long environment for the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22, 23). His spiritual example causes others to take his message seriously. As a follower of God, his spiritual credibility forcefully attracts others to follow himself, because as a trail-blazer, he practices single-minded devotion to God. He humbly renders all glory to God and submits to His Word. He demonstrates honesty and discipline of the tongue, time, mind, and body, along with fervent resourcefulness. As he calls others to obedience, God uses his trail-blazing leadership to mark the way. All desirable spiritual qualities, particularly godliness and dependence on God, are basic ingredients in the experience of a praying preacher.
MSJ 2:1 (Spring 91) p. 22
Godliness
A noble man of God, a man of prayer, is passionate in pursuing God and His values (Ps 42:1, 2). He runs hard after God in a life shaped by the godliness he recommends for others. He is deeply serious about God’s principle of following righteousness and wants God to show him His salvation (Ps 50:23). God’s light shines ever more brightly in him, compelling his hearers to seek the beauties of God.
The preacher�...
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