An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

Fifthly, Those are vain prayers, which we make in our own name, not in the name of Christ. And remember, though it be an easy matter to name Christ in prayer, yet 'tis no easy matter to pray in the name of Christ. 'Tis as common as that which is commonest, for all sorts of people, yea for children, to name Christ in prayer; but to pray in the name of Christ, is the peculiar work of the Spirit in the heart of a true believer. If the Reader desire to know more distinctly what it is to pray in the name of Christ, I refer him for some help towards it to the 17th verse of the 16th Chapter, where also the requisites of pure and powerful prayer, are more fully held out.

Fifthly, Those are vaine prayers, which we make in our own name, not in the name of Christ. And remember, though it be an easie matter to name Christ in prayer, yet 'tis no easie matter to pray in the name of Christ. 'Tis as common as that which is commonest, for all sorts of people, yea for children, to name Christ in prayer; but to pray in the name of Christ, is the peculiar work of the Spirit in the heart of a true believer. If the Reader desire to know more distinctly what it is to pray in the name of Christ, I refer him for some help towards it to the 17th verse of the 16th Chapter, where also the requisites of pure and powerful prayer, are more fully held out.

Sixthly, Angry passionate prayers are vain prayers. The Lord loves zeal and much warmth of affection in prayer, but he cannot abide wrath, or any the least sparks of passion in prayer. The ⟨p. 95⟩Apostles Rule is, (1 Tim. 3.8.) I will that men pray every where, lifting up pure hands, without wrath, and without doubting. A peaceable heart is as necessary in prayer, as a pure hand. When a soul coming to God in prayer, hath I know not what wrathful and angry disputes within himself against his Brethren, how can he look for a gracious acceptance with God? Will the Lord be pleased with us, while we nourish secret displeasure against our Neighbour? Now be sure when you go to God for mercy and favour, that ye carry no wrath in your spirits towards man, one or other; therefore Christ hath taught us in that most perfect model of prayer, which he hath left us, (when we ask the forgiveness of our own trespasses) to forgive those that trespass against us. We must lay down our unquiet thoughts of revenge, if we would have favour with, and compassion from God.