At Home in the Prayer Chamber
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being 'at home' in the prayer chamber, cultivating a deep and meaningful relationship with God through prayer, and prioritizing prayer over preaching.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being at home in the prayer chamber, drawing from Daniel's example of consistent prayer despite challenges. He argues that true preparation for preaching comes from deep communion with God, suggesting that the prayer chamber should be more familiar than the public platform. Tozer critiques the lack of emphasis on prayer in preaching schools, noting that while prayer cannot be taught, it must be practiced with enthusiasm. He calls for a deeper commitment to prayer, recognizing it as vital for effective ministry. The sermon concludes with a heartfelt prayer for a greater dedication to the practice of prayer.
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Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. --Daniel 6:10
Thomas a' Kempis wrote that the man of God ought to be more at home in his prayer chamber than before the public....
No man should stand before an audience who has not first stood before God. Many hours of communion should precede one hour in the pulpit. The prayer chamber should be more familiar than the public platform. Prayer should be continuous, preaching but intermittent.
It is significant that the schools teach everything about preaching except the important part, praying. For this weakness the schools are not to be blamed, for the reason that prayer cannot be taught; it can only be done. The best any school or any book (or any article) can do is to recommend prayer and exhort to its practice. Praying itself must be the work of the individual. That it is the one religious work which gets done with the least enthusiasm cannot but be one of the tragedies of our times. God Tells the Man Who Cares, 70-71.
"Lord, I pray today that I might more and more be at home in my prayer chamber. It's exciting to be in the pulpit; it's vital to be in the closet. Let me do this work with deeper commitment and greater enthusiasm. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of the Prayer Chamber
- The Relationship Between Prayer and Preaching
- The Tragedy of Lack of Enthusiasm in Prayer
- Prayer Cannot be Taught, Only Done
- The Need for Individual Commitment to Prayer
Key Quotes
“The man of God ought to be more at home in his prayer chamber than before the public.” — A.W. Tozer
“No man should stand before an audience who has not first stood before God.” — A.W. Tozer
“Prayer should be continuous, preaching but intermittent.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Make prayer a priority in your daily life by setting aside dedicated time for prayer and seeking guidance from God's Word.
- Cultivate a deeper commitment to prayer by being intentional about your prayer life and seeking to be 'at home' in the prayer chamber.
- Remember that prayer is a personal and individual work that requires a deep commitment and a willingness to surrender to God's will.