Preaching intends eternal impact for spiritual purposes. Spiritual business cannot be accomplished without the Spirit's power. This kind of power is only accessed through prayer - much fervent prayer . While it is important that the preacher bathe the entire process of preparation in dedicated prayer, it is helpful at this stage in the process to engage in a protracted time of intentional prayer. One is not prepared to preach until one has truly met with God.
Word refers to the practical business of choosing and assembling the language of the sermon.
Wrestling with the language of the sermon is an important use of time and energy at this point in the process. The process of assimilation is an attempt to embed the sermon in the mind and character o the preacher piror to preaching. To that end, the concept of life is most curical. The preacher ought to look intentinoally towards ways to obey the message of the sermon. Obedience to the claims of the text on the part of the preacher is important to win the approval of the listener.