Spurgeon’s “Heating Plant”

2 Thessalonians 3:1 – “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:”

The “prince of preachers,” C. H. Spurgeon once declared with emphasis, “Among all the formative that go to make up a man honored of God in the ministry, I know of none more mighty than…..the intercession of his parishioners. Without it he will most likely be a failure!” Why was Spurgeon so zealous in seeking the help of others to present his needs before the Throne? Because he had proved the worth of prayer in his own ministry. Some years before he made that statement, five young college students, spending a Sunday in London, came to hear Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors to open, the students were greeted by a man who said, “Gentlemen, would you like to see the heating of this Church? They were not particularly anxious to do so, for it was a very warm day in July, but not wanting to offend the stranger, they consented. They were taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide whispered, “There is our heating apparatus.” They saw before them 700 people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service which was soon to begin in the tabernacle above.

Softly closing the door, their unknown guide then introduced himself. It was none other than Spurgeon. With such an army of prayer warriors under girding his ministry, is it any wonder that he wielded the sword of the Word with such power and effectiveness?

How much time do we spend in prayer for those who are actively engaged in getting out the Gospel? What a revival we would have if every Church had a “heating plant” like Spurgeon’s!