SERMONS AND TRACTS OF JOHN GILL PRAYER A Discourse on Prayer 1 CORINTHIANS 14:15 by John Gill (London: Aaron Ward,

1733) Thou hast given a standard to them that fear thee; that it may be displayed because of the truth -- Psalm 60:4 Th !a"#$s# S#a%&a'& ! a' '( I%)* + 's$,% 1*0 - 1... 2 SERMON 47 A DISCOURSE ON PRAYER. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:15/ FORMER

What is it then ? I will pray the Spirit, and will pray with the understanding also.

THE desi n o! "#is e$is"%e is c#ie!%y "o re$ro&e "#e C#urc# a" Corinth !or "#e di&isions and con"en"ions' (#ic# (ere "#ere !o)en"ed and *e$" u$ on accoun" o! "#eir )inis"ers+ so)e ,ein !or Paul, so)e !or Apollo, and o"#ers !or Cephas; and "o re)o&e so)e irre u%ar $rac"ices !ro) a)on "#e)' (#ic# (ere ei"#er o$en%y a&o(ed' or conni&ed a" ,y "#e)+ suc# as con"inuin a (ic*ed $erson in "#eir co))union' oin "o %a( (i"# one ano"#er ,e!ore #ea"#en )a is"ra"es' and "#e disorder%y a""endance o! )any o! "#e) a" "#e -ord.s "a,%e. T#e a$os"%e #a&in !inis#ed "#is $ar" o! #is desi n' does' in "#e "(e%!"# c#a$"er' %ar e%y insis" on "#e su,/ec" o! s$iri"ua% i!"s+ (#ere #e i&es an accoun" o! "#e di&ersi"y o! "#e)' o! "#eir au"#or' and o! "#eir &arious use!u%ness in "#e c#urc# o! C#ris"+ !or (#ic# reason #e e0#or"s "#e )e),ers o! "#is c#urc# "o co&e" "#e) earnes"%y' "#ou # #e (ou%d no" #a&e "#e) de$end on "#e)' since "#ey are no" sa&in . In "#e

"#ir"een"# c#a$"er' #e $re!ers c#ari"y' or %o&e' "o "#e)' and s#e(s' "#a" (i"#ou" "#is "#ey are use%ess and un$ro!i"a,%e "o "#ose (#o #a&e "#e). In "#is !our"een"# c#a$"er' #e $resses "#e) "o ollo! a ter "harity, and desire spiritual #i ts, but rather, says #e' that ye $ay prophesy% He $ro&es' ,y )any ar u)en"s' and es$ecia%%y ,y "#a" "a*en !ro) edi!ica"ion' "#a" $ro$#esyin in a *no(n %an ua e' in "#e )o"#er "on ue' (#ic# is unders"ood ,y "#e $eo$%e' is $re!era,%e "o "#e i!" o! s$ea*in in an un*no(n %an ua e' no" unders"ood ,y "#e $eo$%e' and so unedi!yin "o "#e). I" is e&iden"' "#a" ,y $ro$#esyin ' #e )eans no" on%y $reac#in ' ,u" $rayin ' since #e ins"ances in i"' and ar ues' in "#e (ords $recedin )y "e0"' "#us1 &or i ' pray in an un(no!n ton#ue, $y spirit prayeth, but $y understandin# is un ruit ul; "#a" is' (#en I $ray in an un*no(n %an ua e' ,ein under "#e ins$ira"ion o! "#e S$iri" o! 2od' I )a*e use o! "#a" e0"raordinary i!" (#ic# #e #as ,es"o(ed u$on )e' and )y o(n s$iri" is 3 indeed re!res#ed ,y i"1 4u" (#a" I )yse%! concei&e' unders"and' and e0$ress' is use%ess and un$ro!i"a,%e "o o"#ers' (#o do no" unders"and "#e %an ua e in (#ic# I $ray+ "#ere!ore' says #e' in "#e (ords o! )y "e0"' What is it then) 5#a" is "o ,e done in "#is case6 5#a" is )os" $ruden" and ad&isa,%e6 5#a" is )os" e%i i,%e and desira,%e6 Mus" I no" $ray (i"# "#e S$iri" a" a%%6 S#a%% I no" )a*e use o! "#a" e0"raordinary i!" (#ic# "#e S$iri" #as ,es"o(ed u$on )e6 S#a%% I en"ire%y ne %ec" i"' and %ay i" aside6 No' ' !ill pray !ith the *pirit; I (i%% )a*e use o! "#e i!" I #a&e+ ,u" "#en i" s#a%% ,e in suc# a (ay and )anner' as "#a" I s#a%% ,e unders"ood ,y o"#ers' ' !ill pray !ith the understandin# also% In "#ese (ords )ay ,e considered'

I* T#e (or* and ,usiness o! $rayer' (#ic# "#e a$os"%e reso%&ed in "#e s"ren "# o! C#ris"' and' ,y "#e assis"ance o! #is S$iri"' "o ,e !ound in "#e $er!or)ance o!+ I will pray, e"c.

II* T#e )anner in (#ic# #e is desirous o! $er!or)in "#is du"y+ with

the Spirit, and with the understanding also.

I* I s#a%% consider "#e (or* and ,usiness o! $rayer' (#ic# "#e a$os"%e reso%&ed' in "#e s"ren "# o! C#ris"' and ,y "#e assis"ance o! #is S$iri"' "o ,e !ound in "#e $er!or)ance o!. I" (i%% no" ,e a)iss' under "#is #ead "o en7uire in"o "#e o,/ec" o! $rayer' "#e se&era% $ar"s o! i"' and i"s di!!eren" *inds' I s#a%% ,e in'

1* 5i"# "#e o,/ec" o! $rayer' (#ic# is no" any )ere crea"ure. Prayer is a $ar" o! re%i ious (ors#i$' (#ic# is due "o 2od on%y. To address a crea"ure in suc# a so%e)n )anner is ido%a"ry. T#is is a sin "#e 2en"i%es #a&e ,een no"orious%y ui%"y o!' (#o #a&e $aid "#eir de&oirs "#is (ay' ,o"# "o ani)a"e and inani)a"e crea"ures. T#e ido%a"rous Hea"#en is "#us descri,ed ,y "#e $ro$#e"+ 8Isaia# 491:7;

He )a*e"# a od #is ra&en i)a e+ #e !a%%e"# do(n un"o i"' and (ors#i$$ed i"' and $raye"# un"o i"' and sai"#' De%i&er )e' !or "#ou ar" )y od.

Suc# a $rac"ice as "#is' is an ar u)en" o! rea" i norance and s"u$idi"y+ 8Isaia# 4912<;

T#ey #a&e no *no(%ed e' "#a" se" u$ "#e (ood o! "#eir ra&en i)a e' and $ray un"o a od "#a" canno" sa&e.

I" is no (onder "#a" "#eir $rayers s#ou%d ,e in &ain' since "#eir ido%s are si%&er and o%d' "#e (or* o! )en.s #ands1 T#ey #a&e )ou"#s' ,u" "#ey s$ea* no"+ eyes #a&e "#ey' ,u" "#ey see no"+ "#ey #a&e ears' ,u" "#ey #ear 8Psa%) ::914=>; not, T#ey are insensi,%e o! "#e (an"s o! "#eir &o"aries' and una,%e "o #e%$ "#e)+ "#ey are no" in a ca$aci"y "o i&e "#e) "#e %eas" re%ie!' or ,es"o( "#e %eas" "e)$ora% )ercy on "#e)1 Are "#ere any a)on "#e &ani"ies o! "#e 2en"i%es "#a" can cause rain6 Or can "#e #ea&ens i&e s#o(ers6 Ar" no" "#ou #e' O -ord' our 2od6 T#ere!ore (e (i%% (ai" u$on "#ee+ !or "#ou #as" )ade a%% "#ese "#in s. 8?ere)ia# :4122;

T#e Pa$is"s #a&e !o%%o(ed "#e Pa ans in "#eir ido%a"rous $rayers "o an e%s' "#e &ir in +ary, and o"#er sain"s de$ar"ed' and e&en "o )any "#a" (ere no" sain"s+ ,u" i" )ay ,e said "o "#e)' (#a" ,lipha- said "o Job, 8?o, 91:; in ano"#er case+ Ca%% no(' i! "#ere ,e any "#a" (i%% ans(er "#ee+ and "o (#ic# o! "#e sain"s (i%" "#ou "urn6

2od on%y is' and ou #" "o ,e "#e o,/ec" o! $rayer. +y prayer, says .a/id, shall be unto the God o $y li e% 8Psa%) 421@; 2od #as a ri #" "o "#is $ar" o! (ors#i$ !ro) us' as #e is "#e 2od o! our %i&es' in !ho$ !e li/e, $o/e, and ha/e our bein#; (#o ran"s us %i!e and !a&our' and (#ose &isi"a"ion $reser&es our s$iri"s+ (#o dai%y !o%%o(s us (i"# #is oodness' and %oads us (i"# #is ,ene!i"s+ "o (#o) (e are o,%i ed !or e&ery )ercy' and on (#o) "#e (#o%e su$$or" and con"inuance o! our ,ein s de$end1 and (e are under rea"er o,%i a"ion s"i%%' as (e%% as #a&e rea"er encoura e)en"' "o address "#e "#rone o! #is race' as #e is the God o all #ra"e, !ho has blessed us !ith all spiritual blessin#s, in hea/enly pla"es, in Christ Jesus; a%% (#ic# )ay assure us' "#a" #is eyes are u$on us' #is ears are o$en "o our cries' "#a" #e #as ,o"# a #ear" and a #and "o #e%$ and re%ie&e us+ #e is a 2od "#a" #ears and ans(ers $rayer' "o (#o) a%% !%es# s#a%% co)e' (#o are sensi,%e o! "#eir need o! #i)' and de$endence u$on #i)+ his ar$ is not shortened, that it "annot sa/e, nor his ear hea/y that he "annot hear; nor did he e/er say to any o the seed o Ja"ob, *ee( ye $e in /ain% T#ou # "#e -ord our 2od is ,u" one -ord+ "#ere is ,u" one 2od' (#ic#' (i"# "#e Scri$"ures' (e asser"' in o$$osi"ion "o "#e $o%y"#eis) o! "#e 2en"i%es' (#o #ad ods )any' and %ords )any+ ye" "#ere is a $%ura%i"y o! $ersons in "#e Dei"y'!3(#ic# are nei"#er )ore nor !e(er "#an T#ree' "#e Aa"#er' "#e 5ord' and "#e Ho%y 2#os"' (#ic# T#ree are One+ "#e Aa"#er is 2od' "#e 5ord is 2od' and "#e Ho%y 2#os" is 2od+ and ye" "#ere are no" "#ree 2ods' ,u" one 2od. T#ou # "#e Persons in "#e 2od#ead are )ore "#an One' ye" "#e 2od#ead i"se%! is sin %e and undi&ided. No( 2od in

ei"#er and eac# o! "#e T#ree di&ine Persons' )ay ,e $rayed un"o. I" is %a(!u% !or us "o address in $rayer ei"#er 2od "#e Aa"#er' or 2od "#e Son' or 2od "#e Ho%y 2#os" dis"inc"%y' "#ou # no" any o! "#e) "o "#e e0c%usion o! "#e o"#ers' T#is I )en"ion' "o disen"an %e "#e )inds o! so)e' (#o )ay #a&e so)e scru$%es and #esi"a"ions a,ou" $rayin "o "#e dis"inc" Persons in "#e Dei"y. No( i" is easy "o o,ser&e' "#a" "#ere are $e"i"ions direc"ed "o eac# o! "#e "#ree Persons dis"inc"%y+ o! (#ic# I s#a%% i&e so)e !e( ins"ances !ro) "#e Scri$"ures.

2od "#e Aa"#er is so)e"i)es sin %y and dis"inc"%y $rayed un"o' "#ou # no" "o "#e e0c%usion o! "#e Son or S$iri". I" (ou%d ,e "oo "edious "o rec*on u$ a%% "#e ins"ances o! "#is *ind1 T#e e$is"%e "o "#e ,phesians (i%% !urnis# us (i"# a su!!icien" nu),er "o our $ur$ose. In one $%ace "#e a$os"%e says "o "#e)' 8E$#esians :1:>' :7; I cease no" "o i&e "#an*s !or you' )a*in )en"ion o! you in )y $rayers' "#a" "#e 2od o! our -ord ?esus C#ris"' "#e Aa"#er o! %ory' )ay i&e un"o you "#e S$iri" o! (isdo) and re&e%a"ion in "#e *no(%ed e o! #i)+ (#ere 2od "#e Aa"#er is $rayed un"o' as dis"inc" !ro) "#e -ord ?esus C#ris"' (#ose 2od and Aa"#er #e is' and dis"inc" !ro) "#e S$iri" o! (isdo) and re&e%a"ion' (#o as suc# is $rayed !or. And in ano"#er $%ace' #e says' 8E$#esians 31:4' :>' :7; Aor "#is cause I ,o( )y *nees un"o "#e Aa"#er o! our -ord ?esus C#ris"' "#a" #e (ou%d ran" you' accordin "o "#e ric#es o! #is %ory' "o ,e s"ren "#ened (i"# )i #"' ,y #is S$iri" in "#e inner )an' "#a" C#ris" )ay d(e%% in your #ear"s ,y !ai"#+ in (#ic# $assa e 2od "#e Aa"#er is addressed' as "#e o,/ec" o! $rayer' dis"inc" !ro) C#ris" and "#e S$iri"+ "#e !or)er o! (#ic# #e desires )i #" d(e%% in "#eir #ear"s ,y !ai"#' and "#a" "#ey )i #" #e s"ren "#ened ,y "#e %a""er in "#eir inner )an. I! "#ese ins"ances (ere no" su!!icien"' o"#ers )i #" ,e $roduced+ ,u" a,ou" 2od "#e Aa"#er.s ,ein "#e o,/ec" o! $rayer' "#ere is no 7ues"ion nor #esi"a"ion.

2od "#e Son' "#e -ord ?esus C#ris"' )ay ,e dis"inc"%y $rayed un"o' o! (#ic# are )any ins"ances in Scri$"ure. So)e"i)es #e is $rayed un"o in con/unc"ion (i"# #is Aa"#er' as a$$ears !ro) a%% "#ose $assa es 8Ro)ans :17+ : Corin"#ians :13+ 2 Corin"#ians :12+ 2a%a"ians :13+ :12+ P#i%i$$ians :12+ Co%ossians :12+ : T#ess. :1:+ 2 T#essa%onians :12+ : Ti)o"#y :12+ 2 Ti)o"#y :12+

Ti"us :14+ P#i%e)on 3+ 2 ?o#n 3+ Re&e%a"ion :14' 9; in "#e e$is"%es' (#ere #ra"e and pea"e are desired ro$ God our &ather, and the Lord Jesus Christ; and !ro) )any o"#ers suc# as "#ese1 8: T#essa%onians 31::' :2; No( 2od #i)se%!' and our Aa"#er' and our -ord ?esus' direc" our (ay un"o you+ and "#e -ord' "#a" is' "#e -ord ?esus' )a*e you "o increase and a,ound in %o&e one "o(ard ano"#er' and "o(ards a%% )en' e&en as (e do "o(ards you+ and in ano"#er $%ace' 82 T#essa%onians 21:>' :7; No( our -ord ?esus C#ris" #i)se%!' and 2od' e&en our Aa"#er' (#ic# #a"# %o&ed us' and #a"# i&en us e&er%as"in conso%a"ion and ood #o$e' "#rou # race' co)!or" your #ear"s' and es"a,%is# you in e&ery ood (ord and (or*. So)e"i)es C#ris" is $rayed un"o sin %y and a%one+ as ,y *tephen a" "#e "i)e o! #is dea"#' (#en #e $rayed' sayin ' 8Ac"s 719B; Lord Jesus, re"ei/e $y spirit% 4y "#e a$os"%e Paul, 82 Corin"#ians :21@' B; (#en #e #ad a thorn in the lesh, the $essen#er o *atan to bu et hi$; or this, says #e' ' besou#ht the Lord thri"e, "#a" is' "#e -ord ?esus C#ris"' as a$$ears !ro) "#e con"e0"' "#a" i" )i #" de$ar" !ro) )e1 And #e said un"o )e' My race is su!!icien" !or "#ee+ !or )y s"ren "# is )ade $er!ec" in (ea*ness. Mos" %ad%y "#ere!ore (i%% I ra"#er %ory in )y in!ir)i"ies' "#a" "#e $o(er o! C#ris" )ay res" u$on )e. 4y "#e a$os"%e John, (#en C#ris" said "o #i)' 8Re&e%a"ion 2212<; *urely ' "o$e 0ui"(ly, #e re$%ies' A$en, e/en so, "o$e, Lord Jesus% And ,y )any o"#ers+ suc# as "#ose )en"ioned ,y Ananias "o C#ris"' (#en #e ,id #i) arise' and o "o *aul; 8Ac"s B1:4; Lord, says #e' I #a&e #eard ,y )any o! "#is )an' #o( )uc# e&i% #e #a"# done "o "#y sain"s a" ?erusa%e)+ and #ere #e #a"# au"#ori"y !ro) "#e c#ie! $ries"s "o ,ind a%% "#a" ca%% on "#y na)e.

2od "#e Ho%y 2#os" )ay ,e a%so $rayed un"o' as #e is so)e"i)es and sin %y a%one' and as dis"inc" !ro) "#e Aa"#er and "#e Son+ 82 T#essa%onians 319; T#e -ord direc" your #ear"s in"o "#e %o&e o! 2od' and in"o "#e $a"ien" (ai"in !or C#ris". 4y "#e -ord' I unders"and "#e -ord "#e S$iri"' (#ose (or* i" is "o direc" "#e #ear"s o! ,e%ie&ers in"o "#e %o&e o! 2od' and "o s#ed i" a,road in "#eir #ear"s+ (#o is )ani!es"%y dis"in uis#ed in "#is $e"i"ion !ro) 2od "#e Aa"#er' in"o (#ose %o&e' and !ro) "#e -ord ?esus C#ris"' in"o a $a"ien" (ai"in !or o! (#o)' "#e #ear"s o! "#e sain"s are desired "o ,e direc"ed ,y #i). So)e"i)es #e is $rayed un"o dis"inc"%y' in con/unc"ion (i"# "#e o"#er "(o Persons' as ,y "#e a$os"%e Paul; T#e race o! our -ord ?esus C#ris"' and "#e -o&e o! 2od' and "#e co))union o! "#e Ho%y 2#os"' ,e (i"# you a%%. A)en. 82 Corin"#ians :31:4; And ,y "#e a$os"%e John, 8Re&e%a"ion :14'9; 2race ,e un"o you' and $eace' !ro) #i)' (#ic# is' and (#ic# (as' and (#ic# is "o co)e+ and !ro) "#e se&en s$iri"s (#ic# are ,e!ore #is "#rone' and !ro) ?esus C#ris"' (#o is a !ai"#!u% (i"ness. 4y "#e se&en s$iri"s canno" ,e )ean" an e%s+ !or i" canno" ,e "#ou #" "#a" "#ey ,ein crea"ures' s#ou%d ,e $u" u$on a %e&e% (i"# "#e di&ine 4ein ' and ,e (i"# #i) addressed in suc# a so%e)n )anner+ ,u" ,y "#e) (e are "o unders"and "#e Ho%y S$iri" o! 2od' (#o is so ca%%ed ei"#er in a%%usion "o Isaia# ::12' or on accoun" o! "#e se&en c#urc#es o! Asia, "o (#o) John (ro"e ,y #is dic"a"es' or "o deno"e "#e $er!ec"ion and !u%ness o! #is i!"s and races. No( "#ou # eac# di&ine Person )ay ,e sin %y and dis"inc"%y addressed in $rayer' and a%% T#ree "o e"#er' ,ein "#e one 2od' ,e considered as "#e o,/ec" o! i"+ ye"' accordin "o "#e order o! $ersons

in "#e Dei"y' and sui"a,%y "o "#eir se&era% and dis"inc" $ar"s' (#ic# "#ey' ,y a ree)en"' "a*e in "#e a!!air o! )an.s sa%&a"ion' 2od "#e Aa"#er' "#e !irs" Person' is enera%%y addressed as "#e o,/ec" o! $rayer' "#ou # no" "o "#e e0c%usion o! "#e Son and S$iri"1 C#ris" is "#e Media"or' ,y (#o) (e dra( ni # "o 2od+ and "#e Ho%y 2#os" is "#e indi"er o! our $rayers' and (#o assis"s in "#e $u""in o! "#e) u$ un"o #i).

T#e !irs" Person is usua%%y addressed in $rayer under "#e c#arac"er o! a Aa"#er' and as our Aa"#er+ so C#ris" "au #" #is disci$%es "o $ray' 8Ma""#e( >1B; 1ur &ather !hi"h art in hea/en, 2"% and #e is "o ,e considered in "#is re%a"ion "o us' ei"#er as "#e Aa"#er o! our s$iri"s' "#e Au"#or o! our ,ein s' ,y (#o) (e are $ro&ided !or' su$$%ied' and su$$or"ed in "#e). In "#is )anner "#e c#urc# in 'saiah3s "i)e a$$%ied "o #i)' 8Isaia# >41@' B; sayin ' 4u" no(' O -ord' "#ou ar" our Aa"#er+ (e are "#e c%ay' and "#ou our $o""er' and (e are a%% "#e (or* o! "#y #and. 4e no" (ro"# &ery sore' O -ord' nei"#er re)e),er ini7ui"y !or e&er1 4e#o%d' see' (e ,eseec# "#ee' (e are a%% "#y $eo$%e. Or #e )ay ,e considered as "#e Aa"#er or Au"#or o! our )ercies' "e)$ora% and s$iri"ua%' (#ic# #e' in a *ind and racious )anner' ,es"o(s on us' "#rou # C#ris"' and "#a" as "#e Aa"#er o! C#ris"' and as our 2od and Aa"#er in C#ris". In "#is &ie( "#e a$os"%e addresses #i)' (#en #e says' 82 Corin"#ians :13; 4%essed ,e 2od' e&en "#e Aa"#er o! our -ord ?esus C#ris"' "#e Aa"#er o! )ercies' and "#e 2od o! a%% co)!or". And' in ano"#er $%ace' 8E$#esians :13; 4%essed ,e "#e 2od and Aa"#er o! our -ord ?esus C#ris"' (#o #a"# ,%essed us (i"# a%% s$iri"ua% ,%essin s in #ea&en%y $%aces in C#ris". No( "#ese se&era% considera"ions !urnis# ou" so )any reasons and ar u)en"s "o induce and encoura e us "o a$$%y "o #i) (#o is the God o all #ra"e, and is both able and !illin# to supply our needs a""ordin# to his ri"hes in #lory by Christ Jesus% T#e second Person' "#e -ord ?esus C#ris"' (#o is ,o"# 2od and )an' is "#e Media"or ,e"(een 2od and )an. 2od a,so%u"e%y considered' is a "onsu$in# ire; "#ere is no a$$roac#in "o #i) as crea"ures' and es$ecia%%y as sin!u% crea"ures. Job (as sensi,%e o! "#is' (#en #e said' 8?o, B132'33; He is no" a )an as I a)' "#a" I s#ou%d ans(er #i)' and (e s#ou%d co)e "o e"#er in /ud )en"+ nei"#er is "#ere any days=)an ,e"(i0" us' "#a" )i #" %ay #is #ands u$on us ,o"#.

No( C#ris" is "#e days=)an' "#e Media"or' "#e )idd%e Person' (#o #as o$ened a (ay !or us "o 2od' e&en a ne( and %i&in (ay' (#ic# #e #a"# consecra"ed !or us' "#rou # "#e &ei%' "#a" is "o say' #is !%es#. 8He,re(s :<12<+ ?o#n :41>+ E$#esians 21:@ and :1>+ : Pe"er 219; 4e hi$sel is the !ay, the truth and the li e; #e is "#e (ay o! access "o 2od+ throu#h hi$, both Je!s and Gentiles, ha/e an a""ess, by one *pirit, unto the &ather; #e is "#e (ay o! acce$"ance (i"# 2od+ our $ersons are a""epted in the 5elo/ed, and our spiritual sa"ri i"es o! $rayer and $raise are a""eptable to God by Jesus Christ: T#e $rayers o! "#e sain"s are ca%%ed odours; 8Re&e%a"ion 91@ and @13' 4; "#ey are o! a s(ee" s)e%%in sa&our "o 2od+ (#ic# is o(in "o "#e )edia"ion o! C#ris"' "#e An e% o! 2od.s $resence' (#o s"ands con"inua%%y a" "#e o%den a%"ar ,e!ore "#e "#rone' (i"# a o%den censer in #is #and' "o (#o) is i&en )uc# incense' (i"# (#ic# #e o!!ers "#e $rayers o! a%% sain"s' and (#ic# )a*es "#e) a s(ee" odour "o 2od. Our encoura e)en"s "o $rayer' and "o "#e e0ercise o! race in "#a" du"y' are c#ie!%y "a*en !ro)' and our $%eas !or "#e ,%essin s o! race' are !ounded on "#e $erson' ,%ood' ri #"eousness' sacri!ice' and in"ercession o! C#ris". *eein# then, says "#e a$os"%e' 8He,re(s 41:4=:>; "#a" (e #a&e a Hi # Pries"' "#a" is $assed in"o "#e #ea&ens' ?esus "#e Son o! 2od' %e" us #o%d !as" our $ro!ession1 Aor (e #a&e no" an Hi # Pries" (#ic# canno" ,e "ouc#ed (i"# "#e !ee%in o! our in!ir)i"ies+ ,u" (as in a%% $oin"s "e)$"ed %i*e as (e are' ye" (i"#ou" sin. -e" us "#ere!ore co)e ,o%d%y "o "#e "#rone o! race' "#a" (e )ay o,"ain )ercy' and !ind race "o #e%$ in "i)e o! need. And in ano"#er $%ace' 8He,re(s :<122; #e e0#or"s and encoura es "o "#is (or* in )uc# "#e sa)e )anner+ 4a/in#, says #e' an Hi # Pries" o&er "#e #ouse o! 2od' %e" us dra( near (i"# a "rue #ear"' in !u%% assurance o! !ai"#' #a&in our #ear"s s$rin*%ed !ro) an e&i% conscience' and our ,odies (as#ed (i"# $ure (a"er. T#e "#ird Person' "#e Ho%y S$iri"' "a*es #is $ar"' and #as a $ecu%iar $%ace in "#is (or*+ #e is "#e au"#or o! $rayer' "#e indi"er o! i"' (#o !or)s i" in our #ear"s' crea"es ,rea"#in s' and desires a!"er s$iri"ua% "#in s' s"irs us u$ "o $rayer' and assis"s in i". Hence #e is ca%%ed' 8Cec#aria# :21:<; 6he *pirit o #ra"e and suppli"ations; ,o"# "#e i!" and race o! $rayer co)e !ro) #i)+ #e in!or)s us o! our (an"s' ac7uain"s us (i"# our necessi"ies' "eac#es :< us ,o"#' in (#a" )anner' and !or (#a" (e s#ou%d $ray+ (#a" is )os"

sui"a,%e !or us' and a reea,%e "o "#e (i%% o! 2od "o ,es"o( on us' and #e%$s us under a%% our in!ir)i"ies in $rayer+ (#ic# is o,ser&ed ,y "#e a$os"%e' !or "#e use' ins"ruc"ion' and co)!or" o! ,e%ie&ers' (#en #e says' 8Ro)ans @12>' 27; -i*e(ise "#e S$iri" a%so #e%$e"# our in!ir)i"ies+ !or (e *no( no" (#a" (e s#ou%d $ray !or as (e ou #"+ ,u" "#e S$iri" i"se%! )a*e"# in"ercession !or us (i"# roanin s (#ic# canno" ,e u""ered+ and #e "#a" searc#e"# "#e #ear"' *no(e"# (#a" is "#e )ind o! "#e S$iri"' ,ecause #e )a*e"# in"ercession !or "#e sain"s' accordin "o "#e (i%% o! 2od. As C#ris" is our Ad&oca"e (i"# "#e Aa"#er' $%eads our cause' and )a*es in"ercession a" "#e ri #" #and o! 2od !or "#e acce$"a"ion o! our $ersons and $rayers' so "#e Ho%y S$iri" is our Ad&oca"e (i"#in us+ #e )a*es in"ercession !or us in our o(n #ear"s+ #e $u"s s"ren "# in"o us+ #e !i%%s our )ou"#s (i"# ar u)en"s and ena,%es us "o $%ead (i"# 2od. C#ris" is Media"or' "#rou # (#o)' and "#e S$iri"' "#e assis"er' ,y (#o) (e #a&e access "o "#e Aa"#er. 2od' as "#e 2od o! a%% race' *ind%y in&i"es us "o #i)se%!+ C#ris"' "#e Media"or' i&es us ,o%dness+ and "#e S$iri" o! race' !reedo) and %i,er"y in our access un"o #i)+ and "#is is (#a" "#e scri$"ures ca%% Prayin# !ith all prayer and suppli"ation in the *pirit, and prayin# in the 4oly Ghost% 4u" o! "#is )ore #erea!"er. I $roceed'

0* To consider "#e se&era% $ar"s o! $rayer+ in (#ic# I do no" desi n "o $rescri,e any $recise !or) o! $rayin ' ,u" "o o,ser&e "o you "#e )e"#od and )a""er o! i"' (#ic# )ay ser&e "o direc" and assis" you in i". I" is $ro$er "o ,e in "#is (or* (i"# a ce%e,ra"ion and adora"ion o! so)e one or )ore o! "#e di&ine $er!ec"ions+ (#ic# (i%% a" once #a&e a "endency "o s"ri*e our )inds (i"# a $ro$er sense o! "#e di&ine Ma/es"y' %ori!y #i) and encoura e us in our su$$%ica"ions "o #i)+ a%% (#ic# is #i #%y necessary in our en"rance on i". A%% "#e $er!ec"ions o! 2od are ins"ruc"i&e "o us in "#is (or*' and ser&e "o in!%uence our )inds and a!!ec"ions "o(ards #i)' co))and our !ear and re&erence o! #i)' en a e our !ai"# in #i)' s"ren "#en our de$endence on #i)' and raise in us e0$ec"a"ions o! recei&in ood "#in s !ro) #i). T#e rea"ness' %ory' $o(er' and )a/es"y o! 2od' "#e #o%iness' $uri"y' and ri #"eousness o! #is na"ure' o,%i e us "o an #u),%e su,)ission "o #i)' and

re&eren"ia% a(e o! #i). T#e considera"ion o! #is %o&e' race' )ercy' and oodness' (i%% no" su!!er #is dread "o )a*e us a!raid. 5e %earn !ro) #is o)niscience' "#a" #e *no(s no" on%y our $ersons' ,u" our (an"s' and (#a" is )os" sui"a,%e !or us' (#en "#e )os" con&enien" season' and (#ic# "#e ,es" (ay and )anner "o ,es"o( i" on us. I" can ,e no s)a%% sa"is!ac"ion "o us' that all thin#s are na(ed and open unto the eyes o hi$ !ith !ho$ !e ha/e to do; "#e "#ou #"s o! our #ear"s are no" #id !ro) #i)+ "#e secre" e/acu%a"ions o! our )inds are *no(n "o #i)+ "#e ,rea"#in s and desires o! our sou%s are ,e!ore #i)+ #e unders"ands "#e %an ua e o! a si # and roan+ and (#en (e c#a""er %i*e a crane or a s(a%%o(' i" does no" $ass uno,ser&ed ,y #i). His o)ni$o"ence assures us "#a" no"#in is "oo #ard !or #i)' or i)$ossi,%e "o #i)+ "#a" #e is able to do e7"eedin# abundantly abo/e all that !e as( or thin(; "#a" (e canno" ,e in suc# a %o( es"a"e or dis"ressed condi"ion' or a""ended (i"# suc# s"rai"s and di!!icu%"ies' ,u" #e is a,%e "o re%ie&e' de%i&er and sa&e us. 5e conc%ude !ro) #is o)ni$resence' "#a" #e !i%%s "#e #ea&ens and "#e ear"#+ "#a" #e is in a%% $%aces' a" a%% "i)es+ "#a" #e is a 2od a" #and' and a 2od a!ar o!!+ "#a" #e is near un"o us' (#ere&er (e are' ready "o assis" us' and (i%% ,e a /ery present help in trouble% His i))u"a,i%i"y in #is counse%' and !ai"#!u%ness in #is co&enan"' yie%d "#e heirs o pro$ise, stron# "onsolation% T#ese i&e us reason "o ,e%ie&e "#a" no" one o! "#e ood "#in s (#ic# "#e -ord #as $ro)ised s#a%% e&er !ai%+ "#a" (#a" #e #as said' #e (i%% do1 and (#a" #e #as ei"#er $ur$osed or $ro)ised' #e (i%% ,rin "o $ass1 4e !ill not su er his aith ulness to ail; his "o/enant he !ill not brea(, nor alter the thin# that is #one out o his lips% You see "#a" "#e no"ice o! "#ese "#in s is necessary' ,o"# !or "#e %ory o! 2od and our o(n co)!or". I" is a%so &ery $ro$er (#en (e ,e in our addresses "o 2od' "o )a*e )en"ion o! so)e one or )ore o! #is na)es and "i"%es' as ?e#o&a#' -ord 2od' Dc' and o! "#e re%a"ions #e s"ands in "o us+ no" on%y as "#e 2od o! na"ure' "#e au"#or o! our ,ein s' "#e Donor o! our )ercies' and "#e Preser&er o! our %i&es' ,u" as "#e 2od o! race' "#e Aa"#er o! C#ris"' and our Co&enan" 2od' and Aa"#er in C#ris". A!"er "#is )anner our -ord direc"ed #is disci$%es "o $ray' sa&in ' 1ur &ather !hi"h art in hea/en, 2"%

In "#e ne0" $%ace' i" #i #%y ,eco)es us "o ac*no(%ed e our )eanness and un(or"#iness' "o )a*e con!ession o! our sins and "rans ressions' and $ray !or "#e !res# disco&eries and )ani!es"a"ions o! $ardonin %o&e and race. 5#en (e en"er in"o "#e di&ine $resence' and "a*e u$on us "o s$ea* un"o "#e -ord' (e s#ou%d o(n (i"# Abraha$, 82enesis :@127; "#a" (e are but dust and ashes; and (i"# Ja"ob,82enesis 321:<; "#a" (e are not !orthy o the least o all the $er"ies, and o all the truth !hi"h God has she!ed unto us% Con!ession o! sin' ,o"# o! our na"ure and o! our %i&es' is a &ery $ro$er and necessary $ar" o! "#is (or*. T#is #as ,een "#e $rac"ice o! "#e sain"s in a%% a es+ as o! .a/id, (#ic# a$$ears !ro) #is o(n (ords+ 8Psa%) 3219; I ac*no(%ed e )y sin un"o "#ee' and )ine ini7ui"ies #a&e : no" #id1 I said' I (i%% con!ess )y "rans ressions un"o "#e -ord' and "#ou !or a&es" "#e ini7ui"y o! )y sin. So .aniel, (#en #e se" #is !ace un"o "#e -ord 2od' "o see* ,y $rayer and su$$%ica"ions' )ade con!ession ,o"# o! #is o(n and o! "#e sins o! o"#ers+ ' prayed unto the Lord $y God, says #e' 8E27<B<4FDanie% B14=>; and )ade )y con!ession' and said' O -ord' "#e rea" and dread!u% 2od' *ee$in "#e co&enan"' and )ercy "o "#e) "#a" %o&e #i)' and "o "#e) "#a" *ee$ #is co))and)en"s. 5e #a&e sinned and co))i""ed ini7ui"y' and #a&e done (ic*ed%y' and #a&e re,e%%ed' e&en ,y de$ar"in !ro) "#y $rece$"s' and !ro) "#y /ud )en"s+ nei"#er #a&e (e #ear*ened un"o "#y ser&an"s "#e $ro$#e"s' (#ic# s$a*e in "#y na)e "o our *in s' our $rinces' and our !a"#ers' and "o a%% "#e $eo$%e o! "#e %and. And "#e a$os"%e John, !or "#e encoura e)en" o! ,e%ie&ers in "#is $ar" o! "#e du"y o! $%ayer' says' 8: ?o#n :1B; I! (e con!ess our sins' #e' "#a" is' 2od' is /us" and !ai"#!u% "o !or i&e us our sins' and "o c%eanse us !ro) a%% unri #"eousness1 No" "#a" con!ession o! sin is ei"#er "#e $rocurin cause' or )eans' or condi"ion o! $ardon and c%eansin ' (#ic# are ,o"# o(in "o "#e ,%ood o!

C#ris"+ in /us"ice and !ai"#!u%ness "o (#ic#' and #i) "#a" s#ed i"' 2od !or i&es "#e sins o! #is $eo$%e' and c%eanses "#e) !ro) "#e)+ ,u" "#e desi n o! "#e a$os"%e is "o s#e( "#a" sin is in "#e sain"s' and is co))i""ed ,y "#e)' and "#a" con!ession o! sin is ri #" and acce$"a,%e in "#e si #" o! 2od+ and' "o ani)a"e and encoura e "#e) "o i"' #e "a*es no"ice o! "#e /us"ice and !ai"#!u%ness o! 2od in $ardonin and c%eansin #is $eo$%e' "#rou # "#e ,%ood o! C#ris"' (#ic#' as #e #ad a %i""%e ,e!ore o,ser&ed' "leanseth ro$ all sin% Nay' (e are no" on%y "o )a*e con!ession o! sin in $rayer' ,u" "o $ray !or "#e $ardon and !or i&eness o! i". C#ris" direc"ed #is disci$%es "o "#is $ar" o! "#eir du"y' (#en #e ,id "#e) $ray a!"er "#is )anner+ 8Ma""#e( >1:2;

Aor i&e us our de,"s' as (e !or i&e our de,"ors. T#is #as ,een "#e cons"an" $rac"ice o! "#e sain"s' as o! +oses; 8E0odus 341B; O -ord' %e" )y -ord' I $ray "#ee' o a)on s" us' and $ardon ourini7ui"ies and our sin' and "a*e us !or "#ine in#eri"ance. O! .a/id; 8Psa%) 291::; Aor "#y na)e.s sa*e' O -ord' $ardon )ine ini7ui"y' !or i" is rea". 8ea, #e says "o "#e -ord' 8Psa%) 321>; Aor "#is' s#a%% e&ery one "#a" is od%y $ray un"o "#ee' in a "i)e (#en "#ou )ayes" ,e !ound. And o! .aniel, 8Danie% B1:B; O -ord' #ear+ O -ord' !or i&e+ O -ord' #ear*en and do' de!er no"' !or "#ine o(n sa*e' O )y 2od+ !or "#y ci"y and "#y $eo$%e are ca%%ed ,y "#y na)e. No( i" ou #" "o ,e o,ser&ed' "#a" &ery !re7uen"%y (#en "#e sain"s $ray' ei"#er !or "#e !or i&eness o! "#eir o(n' or o"#ers sins' "#eir )eanin is' "#a" 2od (ou%d' in a $ro&iden"ia% (ay' de%i&er "#e) ou" o! $resen" dis"ress' re)o&e #is a!!%ic"in #and' (#ic# %ies #ea&y on "#e)' or a&er" suc# /ud )en"s (#ic# see) "o #an o&er "#eir #eads' and &ery )uc# "#rea"en "#e) (#ic#' (#en #e does' is an indica"ion o! #is #a&in $ardoned "#e).5e are "o unders"and )any $e"i"ions o! +oses, 8E0odus 32132+Nu),ers :41:B' 2<; Job, 8?o, 712:; *olo$on, 8: Gin s @13<' 34'3>' 3B' 9<; and o"#ers' in "#is sense1 4esides' (#en ,e%ie&ers no( $ray !or "#e $ardon o! sin' "#eir )eanin is no" "#a" "#e ,%ood o! C#ris" s#ou%d ,e s#ed a ain !or "#e re)ission o! "#eir sins+ or "#a" any ne( ac" o! $ardon s#ou%d arise in 2od.s )ind' and ,e $assed ,y #i)+ ,u" "#a" "#ey )i #" #a&e "#e sense' "#e )ani!es"a"ion' and a$$%ica"ion o! $ardonin race "o "#eir sou%s. 5e are no" "o i)a ine' "#a" as o!"en as "#e sain"s sin' re$en"' con!ess "#eir sins' and $ray !or "#e !or i&eness o! "#e)' "#a" 2od )a*es and $asses ne( ac"s o! $ardon+ !or #e #as' ,y one e"erna% and co)$%e"e ac" o! race' in "#e &ie( o! #is Son.s ,%ood and sacri!ice' !ree%y and !u%%y !or i&en a%% "#e "res$asses o! #is c#osen ones' a%% "#eir sins' $as"' $resen"' and "o co)e1 ,u"(#ereas "#ey dai%y sin a ains" 2od' rie&e #is S$iri"' and (ound "#eir o(n consciences' "#ey #a&e need o! "#e !res# s$rin*%in s o! "#e ,%ood o! ?esus' and o! rene(ed )ani!es"a"ions o! $ardon "o "#eir sou%s+ and i" is ,o"# "#eir du"y and in"eres" "o a""end "#e "#rone o! race on "#is accoun".

Ano"#er $ar" and ,ranc# o! $rayer %ies in $u""in u$ $e"i"ions "o 2od !or ood "#in s' "e)$ora% and s$iri"ua% )ercies' "#e ,%essin s o! na"ure and o! race. As (e ou #" "o %i&e in a de$endence on di&ine $ro&idence' so (e s#ou%d dai%y $ray !or "#e co))on sus"enance o! our ,odies' "#e co)!or"' su$$or"' and $reser&a"ion o! our %i&es+ as our -ord #as "au #" us' sayin ' Gi/e us this day our daily bread% 8Ma""#e( >1::; Our re7ues"s in "#is (ay ou #"' indeed' "o ,e !re7uen"' ,u" no" %ar e1 (e s#ou%d no" see* rea" "#in s !or ourse%&es. A#ur3s $rayer 8Pro&er,s 3<17=B; is a $ro$er co$y !or us "o !o%%o(1 6!o thin#s, says #e "o "#e -ord' #a&e I re7uired o! "#ee' deny )e "#e) no" ,e!ore I die+ Re)o&e !ar !ro) )e &ani"y and %ies1 i&e )e nei"#er $o&er"y nor ric#es+ !eed )e (i"# !ood con&enien" !or )e' %es" I ,e !u%% and deny "#ee' and say' 5#o is "#e -ord6 Or %es" I ,e $oor and s"ea%' and "a*e "#e na)e o! )y 2od in &ain. T#e s$iri"ua% ,%essin s (e s#ou%d as* !or' are suc# as 2od #as %aid u$ in "#e co&enan" o! race' (#ic# is ordered in a%% "#in s' and sure' C#ris" #as $rocured ,y #is ,%ood' "#e os$e% is a re&e%a"ion o!' and "#e S$iri" o! 2od )a*es in"ercession !or in our o(n #ear"s' accordin "o "#e (i%% o! 2od+ !or "#ese "#in s (e s#ou%d pray in aith, nothin# !a/erin#; 8?a)es :1>+ : ?o#n 91:4' :9; !or "#is is "#e con!idence "#a" (e #a&e in #i)' "#a" is' 2od' "#a" i! (e as* any "#in accordin "o #is (i%%' #e #eare"# us+ and i! (e *no( "#a" #e #ear us' (#a"soe&er (e as*' (e *no( "#a" (e #a&e "#e $e"i"ions "#a" (e desired o! #i) 5#en (e $ray !or s$ecia% )ercies' s$iri"ua% ,%essin s' suc# as con&er"in race !or uncon&er"ed !riends and re%a"ions' (e ou #" "o $ray in su,)ission "o "#e secre" (i%% o! 2od. T#an*s i&in !or )ercies recei&ed' is ano"#er "#in (#ic# (e s#ou%d no" ,e !or e"!u% o! a" "#e "#rone o! race+ 'n e/ery thin#, by prayer and suppli"ation, !ith than(s#i/in#, says "#e a$os"%e' 8P#i%i$$ians 41>; let your re0uests be $ade (no!n to God% As (e #a&e a%(ays )ercies "o $ray !or' so %i*e(ise "o re"urn "#an*s !or+ i" ,eco)es us "o "ontinue in prayer, 8Co%ossians 412; !or cons"an" su$$%ies !ro) #ea&en' and "o !at"h in the sa$e !ith than(s#i/in#, "#a" is' "o (ai" !or "#e ,%essin s (e #a&e ,een $rayin !or+ and (#en (e #a&e recei&ed "#e)' "o (a"c# !or a $ro$er o$$or"uni"y' and )a*e use o! i"' to o er the sa"ri i"e o praise to God, that is, the ruit o our lips, #i/in# than(s to his na$e% 5#en "#is $ar" is ne %ec"ed' i" is #i #%y resen"ed ,y "#e -ord+ as a$$ears !ro) "#e case o! "#e "en %e$ers' 8-u*e :71:9=:@; (#en one o! "#e) sa( "#a" #e (as #ea%ed' "urned ,uc*' and (i"# a %oud &oice %ori!ied 2od' and !e%% do(n on #is !ace a" #is !ee"' i&in #i) "#an*s1 and #e (as a Sa)ari"an+ u$on (#ic# our -ord says' 5ere "#ere no" "en c%eansed6 4u" (#ere are "#e nine6 T#ere are no" !ound "#a" re"urned "o i&e %ory "o

2od sa&e "#is s"ran er. 4e!ore (e conc%ude "#e e0ercise o! "#is du"y' i" is $ro$er "o de$reca"e suc# e&i%s !ro) us' (#ic# are ei"#er u$on us' or (e *no( (e are %ia,%e "o' or )ay ,e!a%% us+ suc# as "e)$"a"ions o! *atan, "#e snares o! "#e (or%d' "#e dis"resses o! %i!e' $u,%ic ca%a)i"ies' e"c. T#is (as in $ar" $rac"iced ,y .aniel: 1 Lord, says #e' 8Danie% B1:>; accordin "o a%% "#y ri #"eousness' I ,eseec# "#ee' %e" "#ine an er and "#y !ury ,e "urned a(ay !ro) "#y ci"y ?erusa%e)' "#y #o%y )oun"ain+ ,ecause !or our sins' and "#e ini7ui"ies o! our Aa"#ers' ?erusa%e) and "#y $eo$%e are ,eco)e a re$roac# "o a%% "#a" are a,ou" us. And "#is is in"i)a"ed ,y C#ris" "o #is disci$%es' in "#a" e0ce%%en" direc"ory o! $rayer #e a&e "#e)' $ar" o! (#ic# (as "#is+ Lead us not into te$ptation, but deli/er us ro$ e/il% 8Ma""#e( >1:3; A" "#e c%ose o! "#is (or* o! $rayer' i" is necessary "o )a*e use o! do0o%o ies' or ascri$"ions o! %ory "o 2od+ as (e ,e in (i"# 2od' (e s#ou%d end (i"# #i)+ as in "#e en"rance on "#is du"y' (e ascri,e rea"ness "o #i)' so a" "#e conc%usion o! i" (e s#ou%d ascri,e %ory "o #i). Suc# an ascri$"ion o! %ory "o 2od' (e !ind' (as used ,y C#ris" a" "#e end o! "#e $rayer #e "au #" #is disci$%es' in "#is )anner1 8E4<<>:3FMa""#e( >1:3; T#ine is "#e *in do)' "#e $o(er and "#e %ory. 4y "#e a$os"%e Paul in "#is !or)+ 8E4B<32:FE$#esians 312:; Un"o #i)' "#a" is' 2od' ,e %ory in "#e c#urc#' ,y C#ris" ?esus' "#rou #ou" a%% a es' (or%d (i"#ou" end. And in ano"#er $%ace "#us+ 8E94<::7F: Ti)o"#y :1:7; :> No( un"o "#e *in e"erna%' i))or"a%' in&isi,%e' "#e on%y (ise 2od' ,e #onour and %ory' !or e&er and e&er. 4y "#e a$os"%e ?ude in "#ese (ords+ No( un"o #i) "#a" is a,%e "o *ee$ you !ro) !a%%in ' and "o $resen" you !au%"%ess ,e!ore "#e $resence o! #is %ory' (i"# e0ceedin /oy+ "o "#e on%y (ise 2od' our Sa&iour' ,e %ory and )a/es"y' do)inion and $o(er' ,o"# no( and e&er. 8?ude 24' 29; And ,y "#e a$os"%e John a!"er "#is )anner+ 8E>><:<9FRe&e%a"ion :19' >; Un"o #i) "#a" #a"#' %o&ed us' and (as#ed us !ro) our sins in #is o(n ,%ood' and #a"# )ade us *in s and $ries"s un"o 2od and #is Aa"#er+ "o #i) ,e %ory and do)inion !or e&er and e&er.

T#ese' and suc# %i*e ascri$"ions o! %ory "o 2od' Aa"#er' Son' and S$iri"' are necessary a" "#e !inis#in o! our su$$%ica"ions' since "#e )ercies and ,%essin s (e #a&e ,een ei"#er $e"i"ionin ' or re"urnin "#an*s !or' co)e !ro) #i)+ ,esides' "#ey ser&e "o s#e( !or"# "#e $raises o! 2od' and "o e0$ress our sense o! ra"i"ude "o #i)' our de$endence u$on #i)' and our e0$ec"a"ion o! recei&in ood "#in s !ro) #i). T#e (#o%e o! "#is e0ercise o! $rayer s#ou%d ,e conc%uded (i"# $ronouncin "#e (ord A$en; as a "es"i!ica"ion o! our #ear"y assen" "o (#a" (e #a&e e0$ressed' and o! our sincere desires and (is#es' "#a" (#a" (e #a&e ,een $rayin !or )i #" ,e acco)$%is#ed' and o! our !u%% and !ir) $ersuasion and assured ,e%ie! "#a" 2od is a,%e' (i%%in ' and !ai"#!u% "o $er!or) a%% "#a" #e #as $ro)ised' and i&e (#a"soe&er (e #a&e ,een as*in o! #i)' accordin "o #is (i%%. 4u" I $roceed' 1* To consider "#e se&era% sor"s and *inds o! $rayer' or "#e &arious dis"ri,u"ions in"o (#ic# i" )ay ,e )ade' or "#e di!!eren" &ie(s in (#ic# i" )ay ,e considered. Prayer )ay #e considered ei"#er as )en"a% or &oca%. Men"a% $rayer is (#a" is on%y concei&ed in "#e )ind+ i" consis"s o! secre" e/acu%a"ions in "#e #ear"' (#ic# are no" e0$ressed (i"# an audi,%e and ar"icu%a"e &oice. Suc# (as "#e $rayer o! 4annah, o! (#o) i" is said+ 8: Sa)ue% :1:2' :3; "#a" as s#e con"inued $rayin ,e!ore "#e -ord' "#a" E%i )ar*ed #er )ou"#. No( Hanna# s#e s$a*e in #er #ear"' on%y #er %i$s )o&ed+ ,u" #er &oice (as no" #eard' "#ere!ore E%i "#ou #" s#e #ad ,een drun*en.

Hoca% $rayer is "#a" (#ic#' ,ein concei&ed and !or)ed in "#e #ear"' is e0$ressed ,y "#e "on ue' in (ords' (i"# an audi,%e and ar"icu%a"e &oice' so as "o ,e #eard and unders"ood. T#is "#e $ro$#e" in"ends' (#en #e says' 8Hosea :412; Ta*e (i"# you (ords' and "urn un"o "#e -ord' say un"o #i)' Ta*e a(ay a%% ini7ui"y' and recei&e us racious%y+ so (i%% (e render "#e ca%&es o! our %i$s.

A ain' Prayer )ay ,e considered ei"#er as $ri&a"e or $u,%ic. Pri&a"e $rayer is "#a" (#ic# is ei"#er $er!or)ed in "#e !a)i%y' ,y "#e #ead or )as"er o! i"' "#e res" /oinin (i"# #i) in i"' or ,y a socie"y o! C#ris"ians in a $ri&a"e #ouse' or ,y a sin %e $erson in secre" and a%one+ concernin (#ic# C#ris" i&es "#ese direc"ions and ins"ruc"ions1 8Ma""#e( >19' >; 5#en "#ou $rayes"' says #e' "#ou s#a%" no" ,e as "#e #y$ocri"es are1 !or "#ey %o&e "o $ray s"andin in "#e syna o ues' and in

"#e corners o! "#e s"ree"s' "#a" "#ey )ay ,e seen o! )en1 &eri%y' I say un"o you' "#ey #a&e "#eir re(ard. 4u" "#ou' (#en "#ou $rayes"' en"er in"o "#y c%ose"+ and (#en "#ou #as" s#u" "#e door' $ray "o "#y Aa"#er' (#ic# is in secre"' and "#y Aa"#er (#ic# see"# in secre"' s#a%% re(ard "#ee o$en%y.

Pu,%ic Prayer is (#a" is used in "#e #ouse o! 2od' (#ic# is "#ere!ore ca%%ed' 8Isaia# 9>17; an house o prayer; (#ere "#e $eo$%e o! 2od )ee" "o e"#er' and' (i"# "#e o"#er $ar"s o! di&ine' $u,%ic' and socia% (ors#i$' $er!or) "#is. T#e !irs" C#ris"ians' in "#e ear%y days o! "#e os$e%' areco))ended' a)on o"#er "#in s' !or "#eir "ontinuin# sted astly in prayers, "#a" is' in $u,%ic $rayers' 8Ac"s 2142; "#ey cons"an"%y )e" (#ere prayer !as !ont to be $ade; and 2od (as $%eased "o i&e a si na% "es"i)ony o! #is a$$ro,a"ion o! "#is "#eir $rac"ice+ !or' a" a cer"ain "i)e' "#ey #ad $rayed' "#e $%ace (as s#a*en' (#ere "#ey (ere asse),%ed "o e"#er+ and "#ey (ere a%% !i%%ed (i"# "#e Ho%y 2#os"' and "#ey s$a*e "#e (ord o! 2od (i"# ,o%dness. 8Ac"s 413:; Once )ore1 Prayer )ay ,e considered ei"#er as e0"raordinary or ordinary. E0"raordinary $rayer is "#a" (#ic# is )ade use o! on $ar"icu%ar and s$ecia% occasions+ as "#a" e0ercise o! $rayer' (#ic# (as *e$" ,y "#e c#urc# on accoun" o! Peter3s ,ein in $rison. T#e di&ine #is"orian says' 8Ac"s 719; "#a" Pe"er (as *e$" in $rison+ ,u" $rayer (as )ade (i"#ou" ceasin o! "#e c#urc# un"o 2od !or #i)+ (#ic# ins"ance o! e0"raordinary $rayer (as !o%%o(ed (i"# an e0"raordinary e&en"+ !or (#i%s" "#ey (ere $rayin ' an an e% (as dis$a"c#ed !ro) #ea&en' and %oosed Peter !ro) #is ,onds' (#o ca)e "o "#e $%ace (#ere "#e c#urc# (as asse),%ed' ,e!ore "#ey #ad ,ro*e u$ "#eir e0ercise. Suc# a%so (ere "#e $rayers o! "#e e%ders o! "#e c#urc# in "#ose "i)es !or "#e sic*' (#ic# "#e a$os"%e Ja$es s$ea*s o!+ 8E9B<9:4F?a)es 91:4' :9; is any sic* a)on you6 %e" #i) ca%% !or "#e e%ders o! "#e c#urc#' and %e" "#e) $ray o&er #i)' anoin"in #i) (i"# oi% in "#e na)e o! "#e -ord+ and "#e $rayer o! !ai"# s#a%% sa&e "#e sic*' and "#e -ord s#a%% raise #i) u$. Ordinary $rayer is (#a" is used in co))on in "#e c#urc# o! 2od' in a re%i ious !a)i%y' or ,y a sin %e $erson' a" s"a"ed "i)es+ (#ic#' (i"# .a/id and .aniel under "#e O%d Tes"a)en"' (ere "#ree "i)es a day' 8Psa%) 991:7+ Danie% >1:<; e&enin ' )ornin ' and a" noon+ (#ic# $rac"ice is %auda,%e enou # "o !o%%o(' $ro&ided no s"ress is %aid on "#e $unc"ua% $er!or)ance o! "#is du"y a" "#ese $recise "i)es' and is no" )ade "#e "er) and condi"ion o! our acce$"ance (i"# 2od' and o! our s"andin in #is !a&our' (#ic# (ou%d ,e "o reduce us "o "#e co&enan" o! (or*s' ensnare our sou%s' and ,rin us in"o a s"a"e o! ,onda e.

II* I co)e no( "o consider "#e )anner in (#ic# "#e a$os"%e (as desirous o! $er!or)in "#is du"y.

1* With the *pirit% 4y "#e S$iri"' so)e unders"and no )ore "#an "#e #u)an ,rea"#' or &oice+ and su$$ose' "#a" "#e a$os"%e.s )eanin is' "#a" #e (ou%d $ray &oca%%y' (i"# an ar"icu%a"e &oice' (i"# dis"inc" sounds' so as "o ,e unders"ood1 $er#a$s so)e $assa es in "#is c#a$"er' (#ic# )ay see) "o !a&our "#is sense' )i #" inc%ine "#e) "o i"+ as (#en "#e a$os"%e o,ser&es' 8: Corin"#ians :417=::; "#a" "#in s (i"#ou" %i!e i&in sound' (#e"#er $i$e or #ar$' e0ce$" "#ey i&e a dis"inc"ion in "#e sounds' #o( s#a%% i" ,e *no(n (#a" is $i$ed or #ar$ed6 Aor i! "#e "ru)$e" i&e an uncer"ain sound' (#o s#a%% $re$are #i)se%! "o "#e ,a""%e6 So %i*e(ise you' e0ce$" ye u""er ,y "#e "on ue (ords easy "o ,e unders"ood' #o( s#a%% i" ,e *no(n (#a" is s$o*en6 !or ye s#a%% s$ea* in"o "#e air. T#ere are' i" )ay ,e' so )any *inds o! &oices in "#e (or%d' and none o! "#e) are (i"#ou" si ni!ica"ion+ "#ere!ore' i! I *no( no" "#e )eanin o! "#e &oice' I s#a%% ,e un"o #i) "#a" s$ea*e"# a 4ar,arian+ and #e "#a" s$ea*e"#' a 4ar,arian un"o )e. 4u" "#e a$os"%e #ere' ,y &oice and dis"inc"ion in sounds' does no" in"end a c%ear' dis"inc"' ar"icu%a"e &oice' ,u" "#e )o"#er="on ue' a *no(n %an ua e' in o$$osi"ion "o an un*no(n "on ue and !orei n %an ua e' no" unders"ood ,y "#e $eo$%e. T#is sense o! "#e (ords is )ean' %o(' and "ri!%in ' as (e%% as !orced and s"rained. 4y the *pirit, ra"#er is )ean" "#e e0"raordinary i!" o! "#e S$iri" ,es"o(edon "#e a$os"%e and o"#ers' ,y (#ic# "#ey s$o*e (i"# di&ers "on ues' and(#ic# #e de"er)ined "o )a*e use o!' "#ou # in suc# a )anner' as "o ,e unders"ood1 He (ou%d no" use i" (i"#ou" an in"er$re"a"ion. T#is is "#e sense I #a&e i&en o! i" a%ready' and is "#e )os" enera%%y recei&ed sense o! in"er$re"ers' and (#ic# )ay ,e con!ir)ed ,y "#e use o! "#e (ord in "#e con"e0"+ as in &erse 2. He "#a" s$ea*e"# in an un*no(n "on ue' s$ea*e"# no" un"o )en' ,u" un"o 2od' !or no )an unders"ande"# #i)+ #o(,ei"' in "#e S$iri"' "#a" is' ,y e0ercisin "#e e0"raordinary i!" o! "#e S$iri"' he spea(eth $ysteries; and in &erse :4' I! I $ray in an un*no(n "on ue' )y s$iri" $raye"#' "#a" is' I $ray ,y &ir"ue o! "#e e0"raordinary i!" o! "#e S$iri"' ,es"o(ed on )e+ ,u" $y understandin# is un ruit ul; I a) o! no use and ser&ice "o "#ose "#a" #ear )e. So %i*e(ise in &erse :>. ,lse !hen thou shalt bless !ith the *pirit, "#a" is' (#en "#ou i&es" "#an*s in an un*no(n "on ue' "#rou # "#e i!" o! "#e S$iri"' ho! shall he that o""upieth the roo$ o the unlearned, say, A$en, at thy #i/in# o than(s, seein# he understandeth not !hat thou sayest)

T#ere is ano"#er sense o! "#e $#rase' (#ic# I a) un(i%%in "o o)i"' and "#a" is "#is1 4y prayin# !ith the *pirit, so)e unders"and "#e a$os"%e.s o(n s$iri"' or #is $rayin in a s$iri"ua% (ay' (i"# a s$iri" o! de&o"ion and !er&ency+ and indeed' in suc# a )anner #e $er!or)ed e&ery $ar" o! re%i ious (ors#i$ and ser&ice' (#e"#er $reac#in or $rayin ' or any "#in e%se1 God is $y !itness, says #e' 8Ro)ans :1B; (#o) I ser&e (i"# )y s$iri"' in "#e os$e% o! #is Son+ (#ic# *ind o! ser&ice is )os" a reea,%e "o "#e na"ure o! 2od1 8?o#n 4123; He is a *pirit, and they that !orship hi$, $ust !orship hi$ in spirit and in truth% And i" ,eco)es us "o ,e !er&en" in s$iri"' (#i%s" (e are ser&in "#e -ord. Suc# a !ra)e o! sou% $ar"icu%ar%y in $rayer' is )os" sui"a,%e "o "#e (or*' )os" desira,%e "o "#e sain"s' acce$"a,%e "o 2od' and $o(er!u% (i"# #i)+ "#e e!!ec"ua% !er&en" $rayer o! "#e ri #"eous

)an a&ai%e"# )uc#. 8?a)es 91:>; 5e )ay ,e said "o $ray (i"# our s$iri"s' or in a s$iri"ua% (ay' (#en (e dra( ni # "o 2od (i"# a "rue #ear"+ or (#en (e are ena,%ed "o %i!" u$ our #ear"s (i"# our #ands un"o 2od in "#e #ea&ens+ $eo$%e )ay dra( near "o #i)' as "#e ?e(s o! o%d did' 8Isaia# 2B1:3; (i"# "#eir )ou"#' and (i"# "#eir %i$s #onour #i)' and ye"' a" "#e sa)e "i)e' "#eir #ear" )ay ,e re)o&ed !ar !ro) #i)' and "#eir !ear "o(ards #i)' ,e "au #" ,y "#e $rece$" o! )en. I" is one "#in "o #a&e "#e i!" o! $rayer' and ano"#er "o #a&e "#e race o! $rayer' and "#a" in e0ercise1 i" is one "#in "o $ray (i"# "#e )ou"#' and ano"#er "o $ray (i"# "#e #ear". Prayin in a !or)a%' race%ess )anner' is )ere ou"side (ors#i$' %i$=%a,our' ,odi%y e0ercise' "#a" $ro!i"e"# no"#in + i" is use%ess "o )en' and unacce$"a,%e "o 2od' (#o accoun"s o! i"' and ca%%s i" no o"#er "#an #o(%in . Hence #e says o! so)e' 8Hosea 71:4; T#ey #a&e no" cried un"o )e (i"# "#eir #ear"s' (#en "#ey #o(%ed u$on "#eir ,eds.

S$iri"ua% !er&en" $rayer is' )ore or %ess' $er!or)ed in "#e e0ercise o! "#e race o! !ai"#+ suc# (#o dra( ni # "o 2od (i"# a "rue #ear"' s#ou%d a%so in !u%% assurance o! !ai"#. T#e a$os"%e Ja$es direc"s "o $rayer in "#is (ay+ 8?a)es :19=7; I! any o! you' says #e' %ac* (isdo)' %e" #i) as* o! 2od' "#a" i&e"# "o a%% )en %i,era%%y' and u$,raide"# no"' and i" s#a%% ,e i&en #i)1 4u" %e" #i) as* in !ai"#' no"#in (a&erin + !or #e "#a" (a&ere"# is %i*e a (a&e o! "#e sea' dri&en (i"# "#e (ind and "ossed1 !or %e" no" "#a" )an "#in*' "#a" #e s#a%% recei&e any "#in o! "#e -ord. 5e s#ou%d no" on%y #a&e an assurance o! !ai"#' (i"# res$ec" "o "#e o,/ec" (#o) (e address' (#ic# is a,so%u"e%y necessary+ 8FHe,re(s ::1>;

Aor #e "#a" co)e"# "o 2od' )us" ,e%ie&e "#a" #e is' and "#a" #e is a re(arder o! "#e) "#a" di%i en"%y see* #i)+ ,u" a%so (i"# res$ec" "o "#e "#in s (e $ray !or' (#en "#ey are suc# (#ic# 2od #as $ro)ised' (#ic# #e #as %aid u$ in #is co&enan"' $u" in"o "#e #ands o! #is Son' and' (e *no(' are accordin "o #is re&ea%ed )ind and (i%% "o i&e+ a%% (#ic# is consis"en" (i"# "#a" re&erence and od%y !ear' ,y (#ic# (e ser&e 2od acce$"a,%y+ (i"# "#a" #u)i%i"y (#ic# ,eco)es su$$%ican"s' and is ra"e!u% "o 2od' (#o resisteth the proud, but #i/eth #ra"e to the hu$ble: and (i"# "#a" su,)ission and resi na"ion o! our (i%%s "o #is (i%%' in (#ic# C#ris" is a %orious $a""ern "o us' (#en #e in $rayer said' 8-u*e 22142; Aa"#er' i! "#ou ,e (i%%in ' re)o&e "#is cu$ !ro) )e+ ne&er"#e%ess' no" )y (i%%' ,u" "#ine ,e done.

In a (ord' (#en (e $ray (i"# our s$iri"s' or in a s$iri"ua% (ay' (e no" on%y %i!" u$ our #ear"s "o 2od' and (#a" (e as* !or' as* in !ai"#' (i"# a re&eren"ia%' !i%ia% !ear o! "#e di&ine Ma/es"y' in dee$ #u)i%i"y o! sou%' and (i"# an en"ire su,)ission "o 2od.s (i%%+ ,u" a%so in "#e na)e and !or "#e sa*e o! our -ord ?esus C#ris"+ (e do no" $resen" our su$$%ica"ions "o 2od

!or our ri #"eousness.s' ,u" !or "#e -ord.s sa*e' and !or #is rea" )ercies+ (e co)e no" in our o(n na)e' ,u" in C#ris".s+ (e o !or"# no" in our o(n s"ren "#' ,u" in #is+ (e )a*e )en"ion o! #is ri #"eousness' and o! #is on%y+ (e $%ead "#e )eri"s and e!!icacy o! #is ,%ood+ (e ,rin #is sacri!ice in "#e ar)s o! our !ai"#+ (e e0$ec" audience and acce$"ance u$on #is accoun" a%one' and "#a" our $e"i"ions and re7ues"s (i%% ,e #eard and ans(ered !or #is sa*e and (e %ea&e "#e) (i"# #i)' (#o is our Ad&oca"e (i"# "#e Aa"#er. T#is )ay #e ca%%ed "rue' s$iri"ua%' !er&en"' and e!!ec"ua% $rayer. Prayer canno" #e $er!or)ed in suc# a )anner' (i"#ou" "#e race' in!%uence' and assis"ance o! "#e S$iri" o! 2od. So)e "#ere!ore "#in*' "#a" ,y the *pirit, in )y "e0" is' )ean" "#e Ho%y S$iri" o! 2od+ and "#a" $rayin (i"# "#e S$iri"' is "#e sa)e (#ic# "#e a$os"%e Jude "alls, prayin# in the 4oly Ghost% I! (e "a*e "#e (ords in "#is sense' (e are no" "o su$$ose "#a" (#en "#e a$os"%e says' ' !ill pray !ith the *pirit, "#a" #e i)a ined #e cou%d $ray (i"# "#e Ho%y S$iri"' and under i"s in!%uences (#en #e $%eased+ #is (ords )us" ,e considered on%y as e0$ressi&e o! "#e sense #e #ad o! "#e need o! "#e S$iri" o! 2od in $rayer' and o! #is earnes" desires' a!"er #is racious assis"ance in "#e $er!or)ance o! i". I #a&e a%ready o,ser&ed (#a" $%ace "#e Ho%y 2#os" #as in "#e (or* o! $rayer+ #e is "#e Au"#or o! i"+ #e is "#e S$iri" 22 o! race and su$$%ica"ions+ "#e indi"er o! i"' #e !or)s i" in "#e #ear"+ 8?a)es 91:>; "#e e!!ec"ua% !er&en"' % '2,3m %h' "#e ins$ired' "#e in=(rou #" $rayer o! a ri #"eous )an a&ai%e"# )uc#+ "#a" is' suc# a $rayer as is !or)ed in "#e sou% ,y a $o(er!u% ener y o! "#e S$iri" o! 2od' (#o $u"s "#in s in"o "#e #ear" and (ords in"o "#e )ou"#1 6a(e 8Hosea :412; (i"# you (ords' and "urn "o "#e -ord+ say un"o #i)' Ta*e a(ay a%% ini7ui"y' and recei&e us racious%y1 He direc"s in "#e )a""er o! $rayer+ 8Ro)ans @12>' 27; !or (e *no( no" (#a" (e s#ou%d $ray !or as (e ou #"+ #e )a*e"# in"ercession !or "#e sain"s' accordin "o "#e (i%% o! 2od. And' indeed' (#o so $ro$er as #e' (#o searc#es "#e dee$ "#in s o! 2od' and $er!ec"%y *no(s #is )ind6 #e #e%$s "#e sain"s under a%% "#eir in!ir)i"ies+ (#en "#ey are s#u" u$ in "#eir sou%s' and canno" co)e !or"# in $rayer (i"# %i,er"y' #e en%ar es "#eir #ear"s' and i&es "#e) !reedo) o! sou%' and %i,er"y o! s$eec#' so as "#ey can $our ou" "#eir sou%s ,e!ore 2od' and "e%% #i) a%% "#eir )ind1 5#ere "#e S$iri" o! "#e -ord is' "#ere is %i,er"y. 82 Corin"#ians 31:7; 5i"#ou" #i) (e canno" $ray' ei"#er (i"# !ai"# or !er&ency+ nor can (e ca%% 2od our Aa"#er (i"#ou" #i)' "#e S$iri" o! ado$"ion' or use "#a" !reedo) (i"# #i)' as c#i%dren (i"# a Aa"#er+ ,u"

be"ause ye are sons, says "#ea$os"%e' 82a%a"ians 41>; 2od #a"# sen" !or"# "#e S$iri" o! #is Son in"o your #ear"s' cryin ' A,,a' Aa"#er.

Per#a$s i" )ay ,e o,/ec"ed' "#a" i! "#e S$iri" o! 2od is so a,so%u"e%y necessary in $rayer' "#en )en ou #" no" "o $ray' un%ess "#ey #a&e "#e S$iri"' or are under "#e i))edia"e in!%uences o! #is race. To (#ic# I ans(er' T#a" $rayer )ay ,e considered as a na"ura% du"y1 and as suc# is ,indin on a%% )en' e&en on a na"ura% )an' des"i"u"e o! "#e S$iri"' and ou #" "o ,e' and )ay ,e' $er!or)ed ,y #i) in a na"ura% (ay+ "o (#ic# "#ere is so)e"#in ana%o ous in "#e ,ru"e crea"ures' (#ose eyes (ai" u$on "#e -ord+ And #e i&e"# "o "#e ,eas" #is !ood' and un"o "#e youn ra&ens (#ic# cry. 8E:BE 9:9 FPsa%) :491:9 and E:BE7<B F:471B; 23 And (e )ay o,ser&e' "#a" "#e a$os"%e Peter $u" *i$on +a#us u$on $rayer' "#ou # #e (as in a s"a"e o! unre eneracy+ 9epent, says #e' 8E44<@22FAc"s @122; o! "#is "#y (ic*edness+ and $ray 2od' i! $er#a$s "#e "#ou #" o! "#ine #ear" )ay ,e !or i&en "#ee. I" is "rue' none ,u" a s$iri"ua% )an can $ray in a s$iri"ua% )anner+ ,u" "#en "#e s$iri"ua% )an is no" a%(ays under "#e racious and Po(er!u% in!%uences o! "#e S$iri" o! 2od+ #e is so)e"i)es des"i"u"e o! "#e)' (#ic# see)s "o ,e .a/id3s case (#en #e said' 8E:B9:::FPsa%) 9:1::' :2; Cas" )e no" a(ay !ro) "#y $resence' and "a*e no" "#y #o%y S$iri" !ro) )e+ res"ore un"o )e "#e /oy o! "#y sa%&a"ion' and u$#o%d )e (i"# "#y !ree s$iri"+ and ye" (e are "o pray !ithout "easin#, to pray al!ays, and not aint% 8E92<9:7F: T#essa%onians 91:7; And one "#in (e are "o $ray !or is "#e S$iri"' "o in!%uence and assis" us in $rayer' and "o (or* in us (#a"e&er is (e%% $%easin in "#e si #" o! 2od+ And (e #a&e reason "o ,e%ie&e "#a" suc# a $e"i"ion (i%% ,e #eard and ans(ered+ !or i! ear"#%y !a"#ers *no( #o( "o i&e ood i!"s un"o "#eir c#i%dren' #o( )uc# )ore

s#a%% our #ea&en%y Aa"#er i&e "#e Ho%y S$iri" "o "#e) "#a" as* #i)6 8E42:@<:F-u*e :@1:; And' indeed' (#en (e are in dar*ness and dis"ress' (i"#ou" "#e %i #" o! 2od.s coun"enance' "#e in!%uences o! #is S$iri"' and "#e co))unica"ions o! #is race' (e #a&e need o! $rayer )os"' and ou #" "o ,e )os" cons"an" a" the throne o #ra"e, that !e $ay obtain $er"y, and ind #ra"e to help in the ti$e o need% T#is (as .a/id3s $rac"ice+ 8E:BD<<: FPsa%) :3<1:; Ou" o! "#e de$"#s' says #e' #a&e I cried un"o "#ee' O -ord+ and so i" (as Jonah3s, (#en #e (as in the belly o hell, and said' ' a$ "ast out o thy si#ht; yet, says #e' I (i%% %oo* a ain "o(ards "#y #o%y "e)$%e1 8E32<2<2F?ona# 212' 4' 7; And #e adds' 5#en )y sou% !ain"ed (i"#in )e' I re)e),ered "#e -ord+ and )y $rayer ca)e in un"o "#ee' in"o "#ine #o%y "e)$%e. 24 And so i" (as "#e $rac"ice o! "#e c#urc# in Asaph3s "i)e+ (#o' under dar*ness and dis"ress' said' 8E:BD<<3 FPsa%) :3<13' 4' :B; Turn us a ain' O 2od' and cause "#y !ace "o s#ine' and (e s#a%% ,e sa&ed. O -ord 2od o! #os"s' #o( %on (i%" "#ou ,e an ry a ains" "#e $rayer o! "#y $eo$%e6 4u" I $roceed' 0* To o,ser&e "#a" "#e a$os"%e is desirous o! $er!or)in "#is du"y o! $rayer' !ith the understandin# also, "#a" is' in a %an ua e "#a" )ay ,e unders"ood ,y o"#ers+ !or' as #e o,ser&es in &erse B' e0ce$" ye u""er ,y "#e "on ue (ords easy "o ,e unders"ood' #o( s#a%% i" ,e *no(n (#a" is s$o*en6 And !or #is o(n $ar"' #e dec%ares' in &erse :B' #e #ad ra"#er s$ea* !i&e (ords in "#e c#urc# (i"# #is unders"andin ' "#a" ,y #is &oice #e )i #" "eac# o"#ers a%so' "#an "en "#ousand (ords in an un*no(n "on ue. T#is conde)ns "#e $rac"ice o! "#e Pa$is"s' (#o $ray in a %an ua e no" unders"ood ,y "#e $eo$%e. Or "o pray !ith the understandin#, is "o $ray (i"# "#e unders"andin

i%%u)ina"ed ,y "#e S$iri" o! 2od' or "o $ray (i"# an e0$eri)en"a% s$iri"ua% unders"andin o! "#in s. A )an )ay use )any (ords in $rayer' and $u" u$ a rea" )any $e"i"ions' and ye" #a&e no sa&oury e0$erience' or s$iri"ua% unders"andin o! "#e "#in s #e $rays !or. T#e unders"andin o! )an is na"ura%%y dar*' as "o di&ine and s$iri"ua% "#in s. T#e Ho%y 2#os" is "#e s$iri" o! (isdo) and re&e%a"ion in "#e *no(%ed e o! C#ris"' (#o en%i #"ens "#e eyes o! our unders"andin ' "o see our %os" s"a"e and condi"ion ,y na"ure' "#e e0ceedin sin!u%ness o! sin' "#e i)$uri"y o! our #ear"s' "#e i)$er!ec"ion o! our o,edience' "#e insu!!iciency o! our ri #"eousness' "#e need o! C#ris"' and sa%&a"ion ,y #i)' and "#e a,oundin s o! 2od.s race and )ercy' s"rea)in "#rou # "#e Media"or.s $erson. Suc# (#o are "#us en%i #"ened' are a,%e "o pray !ith the understandin# also: "#ey *no( (#o "#ey $ray un"o' (#i%s" o"#ers (ors#i$ "#ey *no( no" (#a"+ "#ey can co)e "o 2od as "#eir 2od and Aa"#er' as "#e 2od o! a%% race and )ercy1 "#ey *no( "#e (ay o! access "o #i)' and are sensi,%e o! "#eir need o! "#e S$iri" "o in!%uence and assis" "#e)' ,y (#o) "#ey *no( (#a" "o $ray !or' as "#ey 29 ou #"' and are (e%% assured o! "#e readiness o! 2od "o #ear and ans(er "#e) !or C#ris".s sa*e1 And' says "#e a$os"%e' 8E>2<9:9F: ?o#n 91:9; I! (e *no( "#a" #e #ears us' (#a"soe&er (e as*' (e *no( "#a" (e #a&e "#e $e"i"ions "#a" (e desired o! #i). T#ese are "#e $ersons (#o $ray (i"# "#e S$iri"' and (i"# "#e unders"andin a%so+ "#ese !ind "#eir accoun" in "#is (or*' and i" is a de%i #" "o "#e). I s#a%% conc%ude "#is discourse (i"# a !e( (ords' ,y (ay o! encoura e)en" "o "#is $ar" o! di&ine (ors#i$. I" is ood !or "#e sain"s "o dra( near "o 2od+ i" is no" on%y ood ,ecause i" is "#eir du"y' ,u" ,ecause i" yie%ds "#eir sou%s a s$iri"ua% $%easure+ and i" is a%so o! rea" $ro!i" and ad&an"a e "o "#e)1 I" is o!"en an ordinance o! 2od' and (#ic# he o(ns !or "#e 7uic*enin "#e races o! #is s$iri"' !or "#e res"rainin and su,duin "#e corru$"ions o! our #ear"s' and !or "#e ,rin in o! our sou%s in"o nearer co))union and !e%%o(s#i$ (i"# #i)se%!. Sa"an #as o!"en !e%" "#e !orce and $o(er o! "#is $iece o! our s$iri"ua% ar)our+ and i" is' indeed' "#e %as" (#ic# "#e ,e%ie&er is direc"ed "o )a*e use o!. Prayin sou%s are $ro!i"a,%e in !a)i%ies'

nei #,our#oods' c#urc#es' and co))on=(ea%"#s' (#en $rayer%ess ones are in a rea" )easure use%ess. T#e ,e%ie&er #as "#e u")os" encoura e)en" "o "#is (or* #e can desire+ #e )ay co)e "o 2od' no" as on a sea" o! /us"ice' ,u" as on a "#rone o! race. C#ris" is "#e Media"or ,e"(een 2od and #i)' #is (ay o! access "o 2od' and #is Ad&oca"e (i"# "#e Aa"#er+ "#e S$iri" is #is 2uide' Direc"or' and Assis"er+ #e #as )any e0ceedin rea" and $recious $ro)ises "o $%ead (i"# 2od+ nor need #e dou," o! a *ind rece$"ion' a racious audience' and a $ro$er ans(er' "#ou # ne&er so )ean and un(or"#y in #i)se%!+ since "#e -ord !ill re#ard the prayer o the destitute, and not despise his prayer% 2> AOOTNOTES1 !": 5#a" "#e Hea"#ens $rayed "o "#eir ods !or' and (#a" ri"es and cere)onies "#ey used in $rayer' see A%e0. a,. A%e0. 2enia%. Dieru) :. 4. c. :7. !"2 Hide Ro)an. 4re&iar. !"3 See )y Doc"rine o! "#e Trini"y s"a"ed and &indica"ed' Dc. ca$. 2. !"4 Pr)asius' Cai nacus D Eras)us in Es"ius' in 91:4. Hide 4eIa) D Paraeu) in i,id.