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Quotes by James Rosscup

1

The apostles gave the importance of prayer in preaching: “We will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the Word” (Acts 6:4). The order is interesting. Even if the mention of prayer first is not significant, it is certain that prayer is just as primary for preachers as the Word.

2

Dependence on prayer in preaching is synonymous with [the preacher’s] dependence on God rather than human ability (cf. 1 Cor. 2:1-5).

3

Prayer is not an elective but the principal element in the kaleidoscope of spiritual characteristics that mark a preacher. These traits unite into a powerful spiritual force; they build a spokesman for God. Jesus, the finest model, and other effective spokesmen for God have been mighty in prayer coupled with the virtues of godliness and dependence on God. The composite of spiritual qualities that centers in prayer is conspicuous of God’s long line of proclaimers in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and in church history, even to the present day. Some books on essentials for preaching slight prayer, but others acknowledge its invaluable role. Preachers who follow the biblical model take prayer very seriously. In sermon preparation, they steep themselves in prayer.