7 - CANONS OF PUBLIC PRAYER
C. H. Spurgeon

First, public prayer should be a matter of the heart.
A man must be really earnest in prayer. You can pardon a man’s familiarities and vulgarities too, when you clearly see that his inmost heart is speaking to his Master, and that it is only the man’s defects of education or experience which create his faults, and not any moral or spiritual vices of his heart. Cast your whole soul into the exercise of public prayer. So pray, that by a divine attraction, you draw the whole congregation up with you to the throne of God. So pray, that by the power of the Spirit, you express the desires and thoughts of every one present, and stand as the one voice for hundreds of beating hearts which are glowing with fervor before God’s throne.

Second, public prayer should be appropriate. There is no need to make the public prayer a gazette of the week’s events, or a register of the births, deaths, and marriage of your people, but the general movements that have taken place in the congregation should be noted by the minister’s careful heart. He should bring the joys and sorrows alike before the throne of grace.

Third, public prayer should not be long.
John Macdonald said, “If you are in the spirit of prayer, do not be long, because other people will not be able to keep pace with you in such unusual spirituality; and if you are not in the spirit of prayer, do not be long, because you will then be sure to weary the listeners.” Ten minutes is the limit to which our public prayer ought to be prolonged.

Fourth, do not use cant phrases.
Be done with these vile things altogether. There should be no grotesque mingling of Scripture texts, alterations of Scripture texts, or abuses of Scriptural truth in prayer. It ought always to be a point of honor among ministers always to quote Scripture directly. Make us of an expression fresh from your own mind, and it will be quite as acceptable to God as a scriptural phrase defaced or clipped. Vehemently strive against garblings and perversions of Scripture, and renounce forever all cant phrases, for the are the disfigurement of free prayer.

Five, vary the order, length, and current of your public prayers.
Vary the order of your prayers, then, for the sake of maintaining attention, and preventing people going through the whole thing as a clock runs on till the weights are down. Also vary the length of your prayers. Do you not think it would be much better if sometimes instead of giving three minutes to the first prayer and fifteen minutes to the second, you have nine minutes to each? Would it not be better sometimes to be longer in the first, and not so long in the second prayer? Finally, vary the current of your prayers. There are many topics which require your attention; the church in its weakness, its backslidings, its sorrows, and its comforts; the outside world, the neighborhood, unconverted hearers, the young people, the nation. Do not pray for all these every time, or otherwise your prayers will be long and probably uninteresting.

Six, keep from all attempts to work up spurious fervor in public devotion.
Do not labor to seem earnest. Pray as your heart dictates, under the leading of the Spirit of God, and if you are dull and heavy tell the Lord so. It will be no ill thing to confess your deadness, and bewail it, and cry for quickening; it will be real and acceptable prayer; but simulated ardor is a shameful form of lying.

Seventh, prepare your prayer.
Proper preparation means solemn consideration beforehand of the importance of prayer, meditation upon the needs of men’s souls, and a remembrance of the promises which we are to plead; and thus coming before the Lord with a petition written upon the fleshly tables of the heart. This is surely better than coming to God at random, rushing before the throne at haphazard, without a definite error or desire.

If we wanted to summarize the canons with adverbs we could say, “Spurgeon exhorts pastors to pray soulfully, appropriately, quickly, authentically, variously, and prepared-ly.”

Spugeon’s conclusion of the lecture is a most fitting place for this post to end:

Let your prayers be earnest, full of fire, vehemence, prevalence. I pray the Holy Ghost to instruct every student of this College so to offer public prayer, that God shall always be served of his best. Let your petitions be plain and heart-felt; and while your people may sometimes feel that the sermon was below the mark, may they also feel that the prayer compensated for all.

I know there is a lot on your mind as you prepare to begin a new week that is clothed with alot , not fees, bills, responsibilities and many burdens. But take this word tonight: 2 Kings 7:7 and Mark 10:15. Have faith in God and expect to see His mighty salvation. What seems impossible today can become your testimony tomorrow.
Trust God; He is already working.
In 2Kings 7:7, the people went to sleep hungry and with deep farmine in the land but they woke up in abundance because God was involved.
May God be involved in your Story tonight.
Amen

Brenda Walsh Ministries
Knowing God’s Will.

Whenever we are at the crossroads of life, trying to decide which way to turn, the best thing to do is go to God for wisdom. Only God knows the end from the beginning and what is best for us! But sometimes trying to decipher what is God’s will and what is ours can be quite confusing. The Bible gives the best advice in Jeremiah 6:16, “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk ye in it, and you’ll find rest for your souls.” Sometimes God’s answers come through a friend, a certain sign, or just a strong impression from the Holy Spirit. One thing you can be sure of is that God will never ask you to do anything illegal, immoral, or anything that would go against His Holy Word. Be patient and wait for God’s perfect plan and His perfect timing. You will know God’s will because your mind won’t be in turmoil thinking you made a mistake, but rather you will feel a peace come over you, knowing you made the right decision. If after making a decision and you are awake all night, tossing and turning - chances are, it was a wrong decision! Pray and ask God not only to “know His will,” but for the strength and courage to carry it out. Text: James 1:5, Proverbs 2:1-5, 1 Kings 4:29-31

Daily Bible Lesson.
WE ASK GOD FOR MORE LIGHT—THEN MAKE EXCUSES WHEN HIS LIGHT REQUIRES CHANGE

“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22

We pray:

“Lord, show me Your will.”

Then His light touches something we love—

our time, appetite, appearance, character, location, or tongue—

and suddenly:

“My situation is different.”
“Everyone does it.”
“I'm not convicted.”

Perhaps our greatest problem is not always lack of light.

IT IS THE HUMAN HEART'S AMAZING ABILITY TO EXPLAIN AWAY THE LIGHT IT DOES NOT WANT TO OBEY.

Jesus asks:

“Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46

So here is the question beneath every reform:

ARE WE SEEKING GOD'S WILL—OR ASKING GOD TO APPROVE OURS?

---

① SABBATH REFORM—WHO OWNS YOUR TIME?

THE EXCUSES:

“I have to work.”
“Most Christians worship Sunday.”
“God knows my heart.”

Yes—God knows the heart.

And Jesus says:

“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” — John 14:15

God's command still reads:

“The seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God.” — Exodus 20:10

Obedience may cost convenience, approval, opportunity—even income.

But faith asks something deeper:

WHAT IS JESUS WORTH?

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29

Do not merely argue for the Sabbath.

KNOW THE LORD OF THE SABBATH—and ask Him for faith to walk in His footsteps.

---

② HEALTH REFORM—HAS APPETITE RENAMED ITSELF “NECESSITY”?

THE EXCUSES:

“My body needs it.”
“I've always eaten this way.”
“We're all going to die anyway.”

But this body is not ours to abuse.

“Ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” — 1 Corinthians 6:20

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink… do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31

Health reform is not salvation by menu.

It is stewardship of a body purchased by Christ.

Inspiration warns of those who “frame excuses and make necessities which have no existence” while resisting health light. — Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 399

What a warning:

APPETITE IS A TERRIBLE COUNSELOR WHEN ASKED TO JUDGE ITS OWN HABITS.

Stop asking only:

“Do I enjoy it?”

Ask:

“WILL THIS KEEP MY BODY AND MIND FIT FOR CHRIST'S SERVICE?”

---

③ DRESS REFORM—WHO ARE WE TRYING TO PLEASE?

THE EXCUSES:

“It's only fashion.”
“God only looks at the heart.”
“I don't want to look different.”

Yes:

“The LORD looketh on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7

And Scripture also calls for:

“Modest apparel.” — 1 Timothy 2:9

The issue is not ugliness.

Not neglect.

Not a religious uniform.

The question is:

WHO IS SHAPING MY APPEARANCE—CHRIST OR THE WORLD?

Christian dress should reflect modesty, simplicity, health, dignity, and good taste without making self the attraction.

CLOTHING CANNOT SAVE THE HEART—BUT THE MASTER OF THE HEART WILL INFLUENCE THE CLOTHING.

Let your appearance quietly testify:

“I BELONG TO CHRIST.”

---

④ CHARACTER REFORM—“THAT'S JUST HOW I AM.”

Perhaps no excuse protects cherished defects more effectively.

Anger becomes “my personality.”
Pride becomes “confidence.”
Bitterness becomes “what they deserve.”

Then comes the universal shield:

“Nobody is perfect.”

True.

But Jesus never made imperfection an excuse for refusing transformation.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5

Christ does not merely forgive us in the old life.

HE BEGINS MAKING US NEW.

“When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 69

Stop defending your defect with:

“THAT'S WHO I AM.”

Bring it to Jesus:

“LORD, MAKE ME LIKE YOU.”

---

⑤ LOCATION REFORM—WHY DID INSPIRATION CRY, “OUT OF THE CITIES”?

Here excuses become painfully practical:

“My job is here.”
“My children's opportunities are here.”
“I'll move when everything becomes convenient.”

Yet Inspiration repeatedly urged:

“Out of the cities, out of the cities! This is the message the Lord has been giving me.” — Country Living, p. 29

Why?

Not because soil saves souls.

But country surroundings can favor health, simplicity, useful labor, children learning from nature, greater separation from corrupting influences, and preparation for difficult times.

God's first home for humanity was not a congested metropolis.

“The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden.” — Genesis 2:8

Abraham lived as a pilgrim.

Lot “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” — Genesis 13:12

Their stories remind us:

LOCATION CANNOT CONVERT THE HEART—BUT ENVIRONMENT CAN POWERFULLY INFLUENCE IT.

Yet Inspiration also counseled:

“Out of the cities; but not a moment before God would have us go.” — Country Living, p. 26

So the message is not:

PANIC AND RUN.

It is:

PRAY.
PREPARE.
SIMPLIFY.
LEARN.
WATCH PROVIDENCE.
AND WHEN GOD OPENS THE WAY—OBEY.

And remember:

YOU CAN LEAVE BABYLON GEOGRAPHICALLY WHILE BABYLON STILL LIVES IN YOUR HEART.

Christ's first relocation project is:

SELF OFF THE THRONE—CHRIST ON IT.

---

⑥ SPEECH REFORM—CAN A CONVERTED HEART KEEP AN UNCONVERTED TONGUE?

Here the excuses sound innocent:

“I'm only joking.”
“But it's true!”
“I just needed to release my feelings.”

Scripture answers:

“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting… but rather giving of thanks.” — Ephesians 5:4

“Speak evil of no man.” — Titus 3:2

And instead:

“That which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29

Imagine that standard:

WORDS THAT MINISTER GRACE.

No gossip.

No slander.

No degrading jesting.

No cutting sarcasm.

No dishonest flattery.

No spreading bitterness from heart to heart.

“Bless, and curse not.” — Romans 12:14

This does not mean hiding wrongdoing.

Jesus rebuked sin.

Nathan confronted David.

Paul corrected churches.

Truth sometimes must hurt before it heals.

But Scripture says:

“Speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15

Before speaking, ask:

IS IT TRUE?
IS IT NECESSARY?
IS IT LOVING?
WILL IT BUILD RATHER THAN POISON?
WOULD I SAY IT THIS WAY IN THE VISIBLE PRESENCE OF JESUS?

“Let the law of kindness be upon your lips and the oil of grace in your heart.” — Christ's Object Lessons, p. 337

What a standard:

**TRUTH ON THE LIPS.

GRACE IN THE HEART.**

---

⑦ PERHAPS THE MOST DANGEROUS EXCUSE—“I'M NOT CONVICTED.”

Sometimes that is sincere.

Conscience must never be forced.

But sometimes:

“I'M NOT CONVICTED”

really means:

“I DON'T WANT TO INVESTIGATE THIS DEEPLY ENOUGH TO BECOME CONVICTED.”

Jesus reveals a searching principle:

“If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine.” — John 7:17

Notice the order:

WILLINGNESS → UNDERSTANDING → OBEDIENCE.

Before asking,

“Is this really required?”

ask:

“LORD, IF YOUR WORD SHOWS ME THAT I AM WRONG—AM I WILLING TO CHANGE?”

That question exposes whether we want truth—

or merely reassurance.

---

⑧ BUT HERE IS THE DANGER ON THE OTHER SIDE—REFORM WITHOUT CHRIST

Inspiration defines genuine reformation:

“Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices.” — Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 128

Truth must reach:

the calendar,
the kitchen,
the wardrobe,
the temper,
the address,
the tongue,
and the choices nobody sees.

“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” — James 1:22

But never miss this:

REFORMATION WITHOUT CHRIST CAN PRODUCE A PHARISEE.

You can keep Sabbath—

and hate your brother.

Eat perfectly—

and feed on pride.

Dress modestly—

and advertise self-righteousness.

Move to the country—

and take worldliness with you.

Guard your tongue publicly—

while bitterness rules privately.

Jesus did not come merely to rearrange our habits.

HE CAME TO RECREATE OUR HEARTS.

“Without Me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:5

---

THE QUESTION BENEATH EVERY REFORM

When Christ touches your—

TIME—will He be Lord?

APPETITE—will He be Lord?

APPEARANCE—will He be Lord?

CHARACTER—will He be Lord?

LOCATION—will He be Lord?

TONGUE—will He be Lord?

There it is.

DOES JESUS HAVE PERMISSION TO CHANGE EVERYTHING?

“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” — Luke 9:23

Perhaps we do not need another argument.

Perhaps we need another surrender.

Instead of continually praying:

“LORD, GIVE ME MORE LIGHT,”

perhaps we need to pray:

“LORD, FORGIVE ME FOR RESISTING THE LIGHT I ALREADY HAVE.”

Take my appetite.

Take my pride.

Take my temper.

Take my tongue.

Take my plans.

Take my home.

TAKE MY WHOLE HEART.

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” — Acts 9:6

NO MORE EXCUSES.
NO MORE BARGAINING WITH LIGHT.
NO MORE TRYING TO OUTREASON GOD.

CHRIST BEFORE CONVENIENCE.
FAITH BEFORE FEAR.
TRUTH BEFORE TRADITION.
SURRENDER BEFORE SELF.

Because when Jesus truly becomes Lord—

REFORMATION IS NO LONGER SOMETHING GOD MUST FORCE FROM US.

IT BECOMES SOMETHING LOVE IS WILLING TO SURRENDER TO HIM.

Amazing Facts
Daily Devotionals

Is it necessary to pray “In Jesus’ name” at the end of every prayer?

August 22nd, 2026

Jesus actually commands us to pray in His name. He says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you” (John 16:23). This doesn’t mean, however, that just saying His name has some kind of magical power.

Suppose I go to a complete stranger asking for a favor. They’re not likely to listen to my request. But if I bring them a letter from their best friend, someone they love, and it’s signed by their best friend—well, that could make a big difference. I say to them, “Look, I’ve come in the name of Henry, and here’s a letter from Henry, signed by him. Can you help me with this problem?” If they love Henry, and I’m coming in Henry’s name, they will listen to me.

Jesus told us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). When we come to the Father, we come in the name of the Lord Jesus and say, “Please, hear my prayer. Not because I deserve it. I’ve been alienated from you by sin. But because of your love for your Son, please honor my request for His sake.” That’s really what it means to pray in Jesus’ name. It can also mean to pray with the mind and the spirit of Christ and with the same attitude that Jesus had.

Of course, the Father loves us too; He wants us to come to Him. That’s why He sent Jesus to bridge the gap. Jesus said, “In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from God” (John 16:26, 27).

Key Bible Texts
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13 KJV)

DAILY LEADERSHIP BOOST (DLB)

SATURDAY, 22 AUGUST 2026

THE HERESY PREACHERS OF THE LAST DAYS

_“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”_ Matthew 24:24 KJV

Beloved, the last days will not only be marked by scoffers. They will also be marked by deceivers.

Few weeks ago a dear leader was invited to a Facebook “bible study” about the second coming. At first it sounded good. But when he asked honest questions about their claim that _“Jesus has already come secretly”_ and that _“they alone have the sealed book of Revelation”_, he was removed. That is how heresy works. It invites you in with sweet words, but it silences you the moment you bring the light of Scripture.

This is not new. Paul warned Timothy, _“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears.”_ 2 Timothy 4:3. In the last days, heresy preachers will rise. They will speak with confidence. They will quote verses out of context. They will claim special revelation. They will say, _“Lo, here is Christ, or lo, he is there.”_ But Jesus already warned us: _“Believe it not.”_ Matthew 24:23-26.

What are the marks of these heresy preachers?

They deny or distort the public coming of Christ. The Bible says _“every eye shall see him.”_ Revelation 1:7. _“For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.”_ Matthew 24:27. Any teaching of a “secret coming” that bypasses the trumpet, the resurrection, and the clouds is false. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.

They claim exclusive knowledge. _“We have the sealed book. We have the new revelation no one else has.”_ But John already closed the canon with a warning. Revelation 22:18-19. The Holy Spirit does not contradict the Word He inspired. If anyone tells you to follow them because they have secret truth, run.

They cannot endure questions. Truth welcomes testing. Acts 17:11 _“These were more noble... in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”_ Heresy blocks, bans, and bullies. That is because light exposes it. John 3:20.

Leaders, our job in this hour is to guard the flock. Acts 20:28-30. We must teach people how to test every spirit. 1 John 4:1. We must root our people in the Word so deeply that when error comes, they will say, _“That does not line up.”_

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Do not be intimidated out of groups. Jesus said, _“Take heed that no man deceive you.”_ Matthew 24:4. Stay in the Word. Stay in community that honors Scripture. And stay under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, not under men who claim to be the only voice of God.

The real Jesus is coming. Publicly. Gloriously. With power. And He needs leaders who will not be moved by every new doctrine. Ephesians 4:14.

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Prayer For Today
Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for discernment. Deliver Your people from deception. Expose every false teacher and every lying spirit. Give us a hunger for Your Word and a heart that tests all things. Keep me and the people You have given me from being tossed to and fro. Anchor us in truth. Make us bold to question, bold to obey, and bold to defend the gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today's Declaration
I will not be deceived. I test every spirit by the Word. Jesus is coming publicly, and I am ready. I am rooted in truth, led by the Spirit, and I will guard the flock God has given me.

Bible Reading Plan
Matthew 24:4-28, 2 Peter 2:1-3, 1 John 4:1-6, 2 Timothy 3:1-9, Acts 20:27-31, Jude 1:3-4

Today’s Action
Leaders, do three things this week:
1. Teach your people the difference between truth and error using Scripture. Take 10 minutes in your next meeting to go through Matthew 24:23-27.
2. Model openness to questions. Create a safe place where people can ask, “Is this biblical?” without fear of being removed.
3. If you encounter false teaching online or offline, don’t argue endlessly. Mark it, avoid it, and warn others lovingly. Romans 16:17.

Remember: The devil’s goal in the last days is not just to make you sin. It is to make you believe a lie. Stay in the Word, and the Word will keep you.

Prayer Of Salvation
_Have you given your life to Jesus today? If not, pray this prayer with me now:_
_Lord Jesus Christ, I know I am a sinner. I repent of my sins and I turn to You. Forgive me and wash me with Your blood. Today I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. Please write my name in the Book of Life and take it out of the book of death. Give me Your Spirit and the power to live for You and to sin no more. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. From today, I declare that I am a child of God. Amen._

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t.me/dailyleadershipboost

What if your economic wilderness is not a dead end?

Perhaps the question is not only, “How do I escape this economy?”

Perhaps the deeper question is:

“What is the way of the Lord within this economy?”

“This is the way; walk in it.” — Isaiah 30:21

Can the Word show you a way where the economy shows you none?

The Money’s Mind
The Body of the Word as Finance & Economics
— Omodolapo Ogunye

Let the Things of God Fill Your Mind!

August 22 - Jesus’ Availability to Jairus

#LifeOfChrist


“Jesus got up and began to follow him, and so did His disciples” (Matthew 9:19).

Jesus was always willing to go out of His way to serve others in the Father’s name. This trait was certainly evident as Christ reached out to Jairus with accessibility and availability. There were certainly many other needy people in the region near Jairus, but the urgency of the synagogue leader’s circumstances demanded that Jesus go to Jairus’s home. From a distance the Lord could have sent the power to raise the man’s daughter from the dead. He chose, however, to manifest selfless love and compassion by following the grieving Jairus to his home.

God is sensitive not only to the needs of the many but to the cry of individuals in need. The Holy Spirit’s work through Philip in Acts 8 illustrates this principle. In the midst of a highly profitable ministry in Samaria, an angel dispatched the evangelist to Gaza (v. 26). Right away Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch, the royal official who served the queen of Ethiopia. When the Holy Spirit prompted Philip to approach the man, the evangelist found an eager seeker about the things of God and was able to lead him to saving faith in Christ (vv. 35–37).

God sometimes leads us, as He often led His own Son and the early disciples, to temporarily set aside a larger ministry to focus on the need of one person—and He wants us to be available. After all, Jesus did promise that every single individual who genuinely “comes to Me I will certainly not cast out” (John 6:37).

Ask Yourself

Who comes to mind when you think of someone God has called you to influence at this point in time? Avoid the temptation to withhold yourself from others, not wanting to get involved in the messiness of their needs and problems, when Jesus has called you to compassion.