I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also,…

Thus David pours out his soul to bless and praise, and admire the great God ⟨p. 10⟩for his loving kindness to such poor vile wretches. Psal. 103. 1, 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases, and crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed as the Eagles. And thus is the Prayer of Saints sometimes turned into praise and thanksgiving, and yet are Prayers still.

This is a Mystery, God's people pray with their praises, as it is written, Phil. 4. 6. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by Prayer, with supplication and thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. A sensible thanksgiving for mercies received, is a mighty Prayer in the sight of God; it prevails with him unspeakably.

3dly, In Prayer, there is sometimes in the soul, a sense of Mercy to be received. This again sets the soul all on ⟨p. 11⟩a flame. Thou, O Lord God, (saith David, 2 Sam. 7. 27.) hast revealed unto thy Servant, saying, I will build thee an house; therefore hath thy Servant found in his heart to pray unto thee.

3dly, In Prayer, there is sometimes in the soul, a sence of Mercy to be received. This again sets the soul all on