I had the opportunity to preach a few times this past summer, and I found that God uses preaching to draw me closer to him through greater faith and repentance. There are two particular passages that help to guide my prayers before and after preaching.

Before

John 14:26 — "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." I spend a lot of time studying and preparing to preach, and at some point during the 24 hours before my talk, a moment of panic inevitably sets in. I don’t know what I’m going to say or how I will remember everything I want to say but John 14:26 has brought me much comfort in those times.

After

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 — "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." Everytime I read this verse, I get one of those fear-of-God moments that, for me, intensifies the importance of not only preaching the Bible but also living what I preach. Sober reflection is always required to ensure that my words and my life are aligned with the word of God.