Cease Not to Cry Unto the Lord Our God
The sermon emphasizes the vital role of persistent and fervent prayer in the life of believers, drawing on biblical examples and the power of intercession.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the power of persistent prayer in his sermon 'Cease Not to Cry Unto the Lord Our God,' drawing inspiration from Samuel's life as a man of prayer who interceded for Israel. He highlights that true blessings and spiritual awakenings come through fervent and expectant prayer, as demonstrated by historical figures like John Knox and Reginald Radcliffe. Meyer urges believers to remain steadfast in their cries to God, reminding them that just as God avenged the widow, He will respond to His elect who pray day and night. The sermon calls for a renewed commitment to continuous prayer, following the example of Jesus, who prayed at all times. Ultimately, Meyer challenges the congregation to reflect on their prayer lives and the necessity of ceaseless communication with God.
Text
Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God. 1 Sam. vii, 8.
SAMUEL was famous for his prayers. They are repeatedly referred to in the brief record of his life. In the Psalms he is spoken of as the one "who called upon God's name." Indeed, he fought and won Israel's battles by his strong intercessions. Mary of Scots said that she dreaded the prayers of John Knox more than the battalions of the King of France. So his people were accustomed to think that if the prophet's hands were held out in importunate prayer, their foes must be restrained.
In the Life of Mr. Reginald Radcliffe, one who contributes a reminiscence interjects a remark which deserves to be carefully pondered: ‑‑ "The great secret of the blessing which came from God to the awakening of whole districts, the quickening of Christians, and the salvation of multitudes, was prayer, continued, fervent, believing, expectant. There was never anything striking in the addresses; but through communion with the living Christ, the word came forth with living and life‑giving power. Often would the forenoon be spent in continuous prayer." This may well convict some of us of the cause of our failure. We have expected the Lord to thunder and discomfort our Philistines, and with a great deliverance ; but we have ceased to cry unto the Lord.
Ye that are the Lord's remembrancers, cease not to cry unto Him. If the judge avenged the unfortunate widow, shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night? It is recorded of our Lord that He prayed early and late, and all night. He prayed when He was about to be transfigured; for his disciples; in the Garden of Gethsemane; and for his murderers. How much more do we need to "pray without ceasing"!
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of prayer in the life of Samuel
- Historical examples of powerful prayers
- The impact of prayer on battles and challenges
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II
- The testimony of Reginald Radcliffe on prayer
- The connection between prayer and spiritual awakening
- The necessity of continuous and fervent prayer
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III
- The call to be remembrancers of the Lord
- God's promise to avenge His elect
- The example of Jesus' prayer life
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IV
- The need for persistent prayer in our lives
- The consequences of ceasing to cry unto God
- Encouragement to pray without ceasing
Key Quotes
“Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God.” — F.B. Meyer
“The great secret of the blessing which came from God... was prayer, continued, fervent, believing, expectant.” — F.B. Meyer
“If the judge avenged the unfortunate widow, shall not God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night?” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Commit to a daily prayer routine to strengthen your relationship with God.
- Encourage others in your community to join you in prayer for spiritual awakening.
- Reflect on the examples of Samuel and Jesus to inspire your own prayer life.