Preaching that preaches.

When I preach, I pray, "Present to my view things pertinent to my subject, with fullness of matter and clarity of thought, proper expressions, fluency, fervency, a deep emotion to accompany the words I speak, and grace to apply them to people's consciences" (A Puritan Prayer for Preachers by Trevin Wax adapted from the Valley of Vision).

Being in seminary has me on the sidelines of ministry, which is a remarkable vantage point to examine my previous ministry. I have re-thought my earlier ideas about leadership, shepherding, and preaching. Much of that re-orienting has come from being a church attender. It has taken months for my professional Christian eyes to view church just like everyone else who walks through the doors. Having emerged from this reformation, I believe I see things I hadn't seen since pre-ministry almost 30 years ago. Wow, has it been that long?

Preaching that is only informational is not preaching to me… it's boring. I'm not trying to be negative or "judgmental," so hear me out. The scriptures are amazing and worth getting worked up about. However, everyone can tell through your preaching if it doesn't do anything for you. And, if love for and excitement over God's Word for his people doesn't transmit through your words, face, hands, feet, and eyes, then how are we supposed to get excited about it?

That's why I love this portion of this prayer. The words, "fervency" and "deep emotion" are preaching words. I'm not talking about emotionalism or lunacy. I also desperately need the clarity of thought, proper expressions and fluency that the prayer requests. What I am talking about is a "public display of affection." I have to give a big thank you to Mark Hallock for that explanation. I will never forget it because he shows us what that means every time he gets in the pulpit. He loves God and he loves His Word.

So when you hear I'm preparing to preach, join with me in asking God to present to my view things pertinent to my subject, with fullness of matter and clarity of thought, proper expressions, fluency, fervency, a deep emotion to accompany the words I speak, and grace to apply them to people's consciences. AMEN.