Pastor, preacher, minister, Christian… if we feel like the Enemy is winning, like he’s not even intimidated, there’s probably a simple reason.
Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a South African preacher and pastor (of Scottish decent). But more than anything, he was a prayer warrior. Some of his theology may not sit well with all of some of us, but one thing is certain: this man had a heart for God like few others.
The following is from his book Living a Prayerful Life:
The Enemy uses all his power to lead the Christian – and above all, the minister – to neglect prayer. Satan knows that however admirable the sermon may be, however attractive the service, however faithful the pastoral visitation, none of these things can damage him or his kingdom if prayer is neglected. – Andrew Murray (p. 28)
I’m not going to lie – I don’t pray like I should. What a waste! What a sin!
I have preached some pretty good sermons and tried to do all the pastoral stuff, but how much more effective could I have been had I spent more time on my knees and less time at a desk?
What if I spent more time talking with Jesus than talking about Him?After all, the whole reason the disciples called for the selecting of deacons was so that they might first give themselves “continually to prayer…” (Acts 6:4).
Preachers, before you worry anymore about your outline for Sunday, your clever illustrations, or your Power Point, spend some more time prostrate before the throne. If we neglect earnest prayer, we’ll have no power, so what’s the point?
Battles may be lost on our feet, but they are won on our knees.
One finger pointing, three back at me.
The Recovering Legalist 
Amen!! Love what Andrew Murray has to say! It also reminds me of C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters. 🙂 Awesome post! 🙂
I remember my pastor of my old church would almost spend his entire Saturday preparing for Sunday service. Every time I’d call him on a Saturday, he’d say he was studying, praying about certain things and just getting ready for service. He was a man who’d give 2 hours and 40 minutes at least every day for the Lord. Puts me to shame…
I’m a real fan of Andrew Murray. I think we need to really take it to heart that Jesus said without Him we could do nothing. Results start and end with Him. Grace and blessings my friend.
So true. Saw his statue in Cape Town last month.
This spoke to me, thanks ☺
You’re welcome.
hello Anthony,
I hope you are doing well and recovering from your heart attack. Sorry to hear of these trials entering your life. In my own life I have experienced trials and in reading blogs online so have many others. ‘ When it rains it pours’, is the old saying. Prayer is our communion with God. Where we hear from him most often. I listened to a sermon recently where the speaker talked about gazing in adoration and love toward Jesus Christ as being our first purpose. To worship Him as the first priority of being a Christian without an agenda, so to speak.
To God, ” No agenda, I just thought I would come before you today to express how marvelous you are and how much I love you”, as I lift my arms high over my head, my face upturned, basking in the warm presence of God..
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Thank you for the encouragement.