St David's Day - the surprising power of preaching

First celebrated in 1120, 1 March is the feast day of ‘Dewy Ddyfrwr – 'David the Drinkwater': founder of Glyn Rhosyn monastery, now St David's Cathedral, and patron saint of Wales.

Healthy eating for Holy living

Living to the ripe old age of 100, David is a fine endorsement for frugal living: eating little more than bread and herbs and drinking nothing but water - often standing up to his neck in it as a form of penance.

Wherever David went fresh water gushed out of the ground and was immediately named St David’s spring or well or fountain. A strict disciplinarian and said to be of royal Welsh descent, David is credited with discovering the healing power and nutritious strength of the national Welsh symbol, the leek.

Practical preaching with real world application

One of the many stories attributed to St David involves attempt by Irish pagan chief, Boia, to disrupt the building of David’s Glyn Rhosyn monastery. Seeing her husband’s army converted by David’s evangelistic zeal, Boia’s wife instructed her handmaidens to distract David’s hardworking masons.

Stark naked, the women tried to lure the builders away from their work and into a less architectural activities. However, so compelling were David’s sermons that not one of the men responded to the temptation with as much as a wolf whistle. Mrs Boia and her girls gave up, got dressed and went home.

Making your preaching speak out and stand out

Another St David sermon success is said to have taken place in front a huge crowd at the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi. When Dewi stood up to speak, someone at the back complained of being unable to hear. Miraculously, the ground beneath David’s feet rose up so high that everyone could see and hear him. The Synod was so impressed, they made him Archbishop.

What to say and how to say it for your audience

Today’s church leaders can find resources to enrich and energise sermons and teaching talks at Eden.co.uk. New leadership resources include sermon outlines, all age worship activities and ideas for reaching newcomers and experienced church members.

New Bible message initiatives and their practical application help your congregation or fellowship stand strong in their faith for the world to see. For the latest comprehensive, easy to read and time saving resources, go to Eden.co.uk and find what best suits you, your church and your audience.