A visitor to the Spurgeon home once wrote:
“One of the most helpful hours of my visits to Westwood was the hour of family prayer. At six o’clock all the household gathered into the study for worship. Usually Mr. Spurgeon would himself lead the devotions. The portion read was invariably accompanied with exposition. How amazingly helpful those homely and gracious comments were. I remember, especially, his reading of the 24th of Luke: “Jesus Himself drew near and went with them.” How sweetly he talked upon having Jesus with us wherever we go. Not only to have Him draw near at special seasons, but to go with us whatever labour we undertake. … Then, how full of tender pleading, of serene confidence in God, of world-embracing sympathy were his prayers … His public prayers were an inspiration and benediction, but his prayers with the family were to me more wonderful still. … Mr. Spurgeon, when bowed before God in family prayer, appeared a grander man even than when holding thousands spellbound by his oratory.[3]“
You may know of no one as busy or as burdened as yourself, but can you honestly say you have more responsibilities than Spurgeon?
Despite his innumerable and important responsibilities, Spurgeon made the privileges and delights of family worship a priority. How about you?
[1] C. H. Spurgeon, “Hindrances to Prayer,” Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. 20, (London: Passmore and Alabaster, 1874; reprint, Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1981), 506.
[2] C. H. Spurgeon, C. H. Spurgeon’s Autobiography. Susannah Spurgeon and J. W. Harrald (comps.). (London: Passmore and Alabaster, 1899; reprint, Pasadena, TX: Pilgrim Publications, 1992), 64.
[3] Arnold Dallimore. Spurgeon: A New Biography (Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1985), 178-179.
Don has published a book on Family Worship: In the Bible, In History and In Your Home.
