A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

Secondly; Here are the Reasons produced against it; they are two.

(1.) That it is a Heathenish Custom, and that grounded upon a false Supposition. The Heathens were detestable to the Jews, and therefore their Customs should not be taken up, especially when grounded upon an Error, or a Misprision of the Nature of God. Now the Heathens think they shall be heard for their much speaking, for their mere praying, and composing Hymns to their Gods, with thundering Names repeated over and over again.

(1.) That it is a Heathenish Custom, and that grounded upon a false Supposition. The Heathens were detestable to the Jews, and therefore their Customs should not be taken up, especially when grounded upon an Error, or a Misprision of the Nature of God. Now the Heathens think they shall be heard for their much speaking, for their meer praying, and composing Hymns to their Gods, with thundring Names repeated over and over again.

It is inconsistent with the true Nature of God, vers. 8. Be not therefore like unto them; for your Father knoweth what Things you have need of, before you ask him. Here we learn three Things. (1.) Christianity and true Religion takes up God under the Notion of a Father, that hath a care of his Children. This will decide many Questions about Prayer, and what Words we should use to God in the Duty; go to God, as Children to their Father. (2.) He is represented as an Omniscient God, one that knows all Things, our Wants and Necessities. (3.) As an Indulgent Father, who hath a propense and ready mind to help us, even before we ask.