In Tribute to Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie

On Wednesday of this week God’s servant Lloyd, whom I counted as a dear friend, and great admired, departed this earthly life and ministry to the place Jesus his Lord has prepared for him.

Lloyd died at 88 after a fairly long battle with cancer.

Many knew and profited from his ministry at Hollywood Presbyterian Church, and other congregations before he served there, as Chaplain of the United States Senate for many years, as TV preacher, and author.

I knew him as a friend, never close geographically, but always be frequent phone calls, and sometimes at conferences together.For many years our local Leadership Breakfast Group were blessed by using his books to provoke and inspire our monthly gatherings.
I love him, thank God for him, and recommend his ongoing ministry through his on line sermons and his writings.
Many years ago I copied the following prayer from one of his books.  I have prayed it hundreds of times before I preacher or ministered myself.  I commend it to you.With a grateful heart for God’s servant, Lloyd,Leighton Ford

A Prayer Before Entering into the Ministry of the Day

Lord, here’s my mind, think your thoughts in me.
Be my wisdom, knowledge, and insight.
Here is my voice.
You told me not to worry what to say and how to say it.
Free me to speak with silence or words, whichever is needed.
Give me your timing and tenderness.
Now Lord, here is my body.
Release creative affection in my face, my touch, my embrace.
And Christ, if there is something I am to do
by your indwelling presence,
however menial or tough, control my will to do it.
Lord, I am ready now to be your manifest intervention in situations,
to infuse joy, or absorb pain and aching anguish.
I plan to live this day and the rest of my life in the reality of you in me.
Thank you for making it so!

This prayer above of Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie’s I have used for many years as I prepare to preach or begin some other ministry.