A Prayer
The sermon emphasizes the importance of devotion, surrender, and service to God, recognizing His boundless love and our place in His eternal kingdom.
Sadhu Sundar Singh delivers a heartfelt sermon expressing deep gratitude and a desire to prove devotion through actions, acknowledging the transformative power of God's love that brings joy and fellowship. He humbly recognizes his own limitations and the all-knowing nature of God, emphasizing the need to love oneself in alignment with God's boundless love. Surrendering completely to God, he offers himself as a sacrifice for divine service, acknowledging God's sovereignty and his identity as a beloved child of God.
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Dear Master, Thy varied blessings and gifts have filled my heart to overflowing with gratitude and praise. But the praise of heart and tongue do not suffice me until I prove by my deeds that my life is devoted to Thy service. Thanks and praise be to Thee that Thou hast brought me, unworthy though I am, out of death into life and made me to rejoice in Thy fellowship and love. I know not as I ought either myself or my sore need, but Thou, O Father, knowest full well Thy creatures and their necessities. Nor can I love myself as Thou lovest me. To love myself truly is to love with heart and soul that boundless love which gave me being, and that love Thou art. Thou hast therefore given me but one heart, that it might be fixed on one only, on Thee, who didst create it.
Master, to be seated at Thy feet is better far than to sit upon the lordiest throne of earth, for it means to be enthroned for ever in the eternal kingdom. And now, on the altar of these sacred feet I offer myself as a burnt sacrifice. Graciously accept me, and wheresoever and howsoever Thou wilt, use me for Thy service. For Thou art mine, and I belong to Thee, who didst take this handful of dust and make me in Thine own image and didst grant me the right to become Thy son.
All honour and glory and praise and thanksgiving be unto Thee for ever and ever. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- The Necessity of Devotion
- The Love of God
- The Call to Service
- The Surrender of Self
- Offering Oneself as a Burnt Sacrifice
- Acceptance by God is the Goal
Key Quotes
“To love myself truly is to love with heart and soul that boundless love which gave me being, and that love Thou art.” — Sadhu Sundar Singh
“Master, to be seated at Thy feet is better far than to sit upon the lordiest throne of earth, for it means to be enthroned for ever in the eternal kingdom.” — Sadhu Sundar Singh
“For Thou art mine, and I belong to Thee, who didst take this handful of dust and make me in Thine own image and didst grant me the right to become Thy son.” — Sadhu Sundar Singh
Application Points
- We must prove our devotion to God through our actions, not just our words or praise.
- We can experience God's love by recognizing its boundless nature and the source of life it provides.
- We must surrender ourselves to God's will and guidance in our lives, offering ourselves as a burnt sacrifice.