After preaching for nearly twenty years, I can assure you I have learned this the hard way. It is easy to rely on a great tool, like Logos Bible Software, without relying on God for our clarity, conviction, and confidence in preaching. We need tools to help us, but we need the Holy Spirit to illumine, convict, and empower. And much of the Spirit's work in us will be done in conjunction with prayer. I guess I shouldn't say I have learned this. I am still learning it.

So preachers, before we preach, let's seek the Lord's help in prayer, praying over the text, for our own minds and hearts, for the good of those who will hear, and for the glory of Jesus Christ.