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

For we know not what we should pray for.] We know not the Matter of the things for which we should pray, neither the Object to whom we pray, nor ⟨p. 30⟩the Medium by, or through whom we pray; none of these things know we, but by the help and assistance of the Spirit, Mat. 11. 27. 1 Cor. 2. 9, 10, 11. Should we pray for Communion with God through Christ; should we pray for Faith, for Justification by Grace, and a truly sanctified heart? None of these things know we. For, As no man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man that is in him; even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God, 1 Cor. 2. 11. But here (alas!) the Apostles speak of inward and spiritual things, which the world knows not, Isa. 29. 11.

Again, As they know not the Matter, &c. of Prayer, without the help of the Spirit, so neither know they the Manner thereof without the same; and therefore he addeth, We know not what we should pray for as we ought; but, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, with sighs and groans which cannot be uttered. Mark here, they could not so well and so fully come off in the manner of performing ⟨p. 31⟩this duty, as these in our days think they can.

Again, As they know not the Matter, &c. of Prayer, without the help of the Spirit, so neither know they the Manner thereof without the same; and therefore he addeth, We know not what we should pray for as we ought; but, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities, with sighs and groans which cannot be uttered. Mark here, they could not so well and so fully come off in the manner of performing