Preparing to Hear God’s Word¹

Thomas Boston

1. Getting the heart impressed with a solemn sense of the majesty and holiness of God, into whose presence we are going, and whose Word we are to hear (Ps 89:7). Though the voice is on earth, the speaker is in heaven, and we should consider this voice so that we come to hear what God says to us (Acts 10:33). And the more this is on our spirits, the more we may expect good by the Word (Is 66:2).

2. Banishing out of the heart worldly cares that are lawful at other times, (Mt 13:7,22). We should say to all these as Abraham did to his young men: “Abide ye here . . . and I and the lad will go yonder and worship” (Gen 22:5). The heart going after the world at such a time renders the Word ineffective, but a contrary disposition is a token for good.

3. Application of the blood of Christ to the soul for removing guilt, and doing away any controversy between God and the soul. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3). “I will wash mine hands in innocence: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord” (Ps 26:6). The laver stood before the entrance into the temple, so that they might wash there who were to go in: so spiritually, before the throne, there is “a sea of glass like unto crystal”, in which filthy, polluted souls are to wash, before they are admitted to the throne (Rev 4:6). And happy are they who come thus washed to hear the Word, for they may expect to hold communion with Christ there.

4. Purging the heart of carnal and corrupt lusts and affections (1 Pet 2:1). This is to put off one’s shoes when coming onto holy ground, laying aside an earthly frame of mind and putting on a heavenly one. For what good effect can be expected on the heart, if it is filled with corrupt lusts, passions and prejudices, which are nourished and not striven against? Surely none at all. Whereas, if the heart is purged from these, the happiest effects may be looked for. It is impossible to profit by the Word, if the heart is full of vain and carnal thoughts and projects.

5. Stirring up spiritual desires in the heart. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet 2:2), longing for communion with God, to see His glory in the sanctuary, for the supply of

¹An edited extract from Boston’s Works, vol 2.

soul needs, and particularly for something suitable to our case. Therefore a deep consideration of our own case is a necessary part of preparation; and if properly attended to, it would be attended with great blessings (1 Ki 8:38).

This preparation for the ordinances is necessary, considering two things especially: (1.) The greatness of Him with whom we have to do: “Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb 12:28,29). One would not rush without consideration into the presence of his prince; why then should one rush thoughtlessly into the presence of his God?

(2.) The weight of the work. To hear God’s mind declared to us is a business of the greatest importance; our eternity depends on it; life and death hang on our making a good use of it or otherwise. The Apostle Paul says, “To the one we are the saviour of death unto death; and to the other the saviour of life unto life” (2 Cor 2:16). And if this was duly considered, it would stir us all up to the most diligent preparation.