Divine meditations and holy contemplations. By that reverend divine R. Sibbes D.D. Master of…Divine meditations and holy contemplations. By that reverende divine R. Sibbes D.D. Master of…

It is not so easy a matter §164to pray, as men think, and that in regard of the unspiritualnesse of our nature, compared with the duty it self, which is to draw near to a holy God, we cannot endure to sever ⟨p. 112⟩our selves from our lusts; there is also a great rebellion in our hearts against any thing that is good, Satan also is a special enemy; for when we go to God by prayer, he knows we go to fetch help and strength against him; and therefore he opposeth all he can; but though many men do mumble over a few prayers, yet (indeed) no man can pray as he ought, but he that is within the covenant of Grace.

It is not so easie a matter §164to pray, as men thinke, and that in regard of the unspiritualnesse of our nature, compared with the dutie it selfe, which is to draw neere to a holy God, wee cannot indure to sever ⟨p. 112⟩our selves from our lusts; there is also a great rebellion in our hearts against any thing that is good, Satan also is a speciall enemy; for when we goe to God by prayer, he knowes wee goe to fetch helpe and strength against him; and therefore hee opposeth all hee can; but though many men doe mumble over a few prayers, yet (indeed) no man can pray as he ought, but he that is within the covenant of Grace.

A child of God may §165pray and not be heard, because at that time he may be a child of anger: if any sin lie unrepented of, we are not in a case fit ⟨p. 113⟩to pray, will a King regard the petition of a Traitor, that purposeth to go on in his rebellion. Therefore when we come to God, we should renew our purposes of better pleasing him, and then remember the Scripture, and search all the Promises as part of our best riches, and when we have them, we should challenge God with his promise, and this will make us strong and faithful in our prayers, when we know we never pray to him in vain.