Asbury - a Man of Great Prayer
Let's look at one more inspiring person in the early days of Methodism, and that was Francis Asbury, who went to America to spread the good news there and famously rode around on his horse - a pioneer preacher, as he was known.
Picture him on his horse studying Hebrew as he went from one place to the next on horseback. Then there is the other great picture of him as an old man: for his very last sermon, he was carried into the chapel and seated upon the table. He was too weak to even walk, but he wanted to preach.
A Life of Zeal and Devotion
Bardsley Brash says “he was a sunny soul and his life was full of praise. He said, "If I had a thousand hearts and tongues and a million years to live, all would be insufficient for paying my debt of praise." He had a great regret that he couldn't do more for God. He said, "If it were in my power I would do a thousand times as much for my Master."“
For Asbury, he wanted every part of his soul to honour God. In his journal he wrote, "How greatly do I desire to die to everything that does not lead to God."
The Power of Persistent Prayer
The key to his life really was the way that he prayed. He was so eager in his praise. When he had a day off from his work, he would spend it in prayer. At one time it was his practice to pray for three hours every morning. At another time he would pray seven times a day. At another time he tried to spend a part of every hour praying.
He was truly the greatest religious pioneer of America, and we really need to thank God for people like this. I was very much inspired reading of his passion. It reminds me of Paul in Romans 12:11, who said, never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.
He was writing to the Christians - not to ministers as such, but to the people of God in their town. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. I think Asbury did that by prioritising his prayers as much as he did.
If we desire that great passion for God, friends, let it start with prayer. Remember Paul's great words in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - pray without ceasing. That was Asbury's life, and I want to challenge us to live a similar life of deep and fervent prayer.
What amazing things could happen if all those who go to church spent the rest of their week in such deep and fervent prayer? May it be that another Asbury, another Berridge, another Grimshaw, another Fletcher, another Wesley is raised up here in our country to truly lead others to God the way that these men did.
I hope you've been inspired by them this week, friends. Go well and have a blessed weekend.
When spiritual leaders crash through God's boundaries, the consequences are devastating for those who follow them. Ensure your leaders are sound in theology, dedicated to Scripture, and faithful to prayer rather than casual and prayerless.