Your preparation for a sermon for this weekend might be finished – or at least leaning in that direction. Here are some simple steps to take today and tomorrow, though, to get ready to proclaim the Word:
- Enlist 2-3 prayer warriors who will pray three times a day for you over the next two days. Three times might be just a start, but simply knowing that others have been interceding for you will encourage you as step into the preaching and teaching act this weekend.
- Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17—even if you know it well—and review the power of the Word you proclaim. It truly is good for teaching, correction, reproof, and training in righteousness. It really does equip us to be servants and leaders in God’s work. You have the unique and blessed privilege to proclaim it to others.
- Consider the gift you have of having the entire Word of God in your language . . . in your hands . . . and without threat on your life to proclaim it. Billions in the world have no such gift. Many have only portions of the Scriptures in their language. Some take high risk to announce the Word. Believers around the world would rejoice to have the opportunity you have.
- Enlist 2-3 prayer warriors to pray for you during the actual proclamation event. They may not get to attend your teaching or your preaching if they’re praying as you lead, but their gift of prayer will be deeply significant for you. There’s just something powerful about having prayer warriors on their knees as you teach or preach.
- Spend at least 30 minutes asking the Lord to reveal to you any part of your life that is displeasing to Him. Whether it’s a sin of commission or a sin of omission, be open to the Spirit’s convicting work. Let Him peel back the layers of your heart—and spend time in heartfelt confession before standing before God’s people.
- Spend significant time reading your biblical text aloud. Read it over and over again, paying attention to the genre and intent of the text. Practice it enough that you can draw people into the text by your reading. Don’t lose people at the beginning with an unrehearsed, poor public reading of the Word.
- Write out the primary truth you want to leave with your listeners – and know it well. If you can’t state it clearly and concisely, you’re likely not ready to preach or teach the text in the first place. When you do know exactly where you’re headed, though, your anticipation in teaching the truth will increase.
- Know your introduction and conclusion so well that you can speak them without notes. Doing so will allow you to look your listeners in the eye as you bring them into the teaching and then later challenge them to respond to the Word.
- Give your sermon or lesson to the Lord as an act of worship. A veteran seminary professor taught me this approach. Do your best in the hard, prayerful work of preparation. Let the Spirit convict and change you in preparation for proclaiming. Then, hand your outline or manuscript to the Lord as the best offering you can give Him.
What other simple steps might you add?