Spurgeon's Prayer: Pursuing Holiness and Usefulness

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do,
— 1 Peter 1:15 (BSB)

Holiness is not the way to Christ. Christ is the way to holiness.
— Charles Spurgeon

Lord, we thank You for the work You have already done in us, but we long for more. We desire to walk in greater holiness and to be more useful in Your kingdom. Make us like trees planted by streams of water, that we may be vigorous and bear abundant fruit in season. Help us to grow in holiness and to be ever more fruitful in our service to You.

Father, we ask that You increase our desire for holiness. We want to be more like Christ, to reflect His character in all that we do. Help us to grow in love, faith, patience, and gentleness, and give us a heart that seeks to do Your will in all things. We ask for the help of Your Spirit, that we may walk in holiness and live lives that are pleasing to You.

Lord, we also pray for greater usefulness in Your kingdom. We do not want to live lives that are idle or fruitless. Enlarge our hearts, that we may serve You with greater zeal and passion. Give us opportunities to share the Gospel and to bring others to Christ. Help us to be faithful in all that You have called us to do, that our lives may bring glory to Your name.

We thank You for every work of faith and every fruit of holiness that You have already brought forth in us, but we ask for more. Help us to grow in both holiness and usefulness, that we may be fully devoted to Your purposes. Amen.