Spurgeon's Prayer: The Joy of Holiness

for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
— 1 Peter 1:16 (BSB)

Holiness is the architectural plan upon which God builds up His living temple.
— Charles Spurgeon

Lord, we come before You with a deep desire for holiness. We are grieved that we do not live better than we do. Though You have changed us from thorn bushes to fruitful trees, we long for more of the sweet fruits of holiness in our lives. Blessed be Your name for every work of faith and every fruit of holiness, but Lord, we ask for more.

Make us love Christ intensely, that His name may be sweet to us and that we may bear His likeness more fully. Grant us every grace we need—faith, hope, love, gentleness, patience, and brotherly kindness. Help us to grow in these virtues, Lord, that we may reflect more of Christ’s character in our daily walk.

We ask for a deeper submission to Your will, that we may embrace Your plans for our lives with faith and trust. Let our words and actions align with Your holiness. Teach us to be watchful in our speech, that we may control our tongues and, by Your grace, rule our whole bodies. Lord, purify our hearts, that the fruits of the Spirit may flourish in us.

Help us to grow in our love for others, as we serve them with compassion and humility. May we be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, displaying the love of Christ in all we do. Fill us with Your Spirit, that we may be holy as You are holy, and may our lives bring You glory. Amen.