A practical exposition of the Lord's-Prayer

(2.) If we would have our Prayers successful. Psal. 66. 18. If I [regard] Iniquity in my Heart, the Lord will not hear me. Clearly, if we will not do Gods Will, there is no reason he should regard our Will. If I regard Iniquity in my Heart: there may be Sin in the Heart, but if I regard it there, God will not hear me; if I entertain an Affection to it. When the Wind blows, some cold Air will get into the Chamber, though the Door be shut never so close; but to leave the Door open for it, doth not argue such a care of Health as is requisite: There will be Sin in the Children of God, but it is not allowed. Love to any known Sin, makes our Prayers to God to be without success. So Prov. 28. 9. He that turneth away his Ear from hearing the Law, even his Prayer shall be Abomination. God useth often the Law of Retaliation, will pay home Sinners in their own Coin; we will not hear him, therefore he will not hear us. The same Argument we have to urge to God in Prayer, that God hath to urge to us for Duty and Obedience. What Argument will you use to awaken your Confidence and Affection? By the Blood of Christ we have boldness to come to him; Heb. 10. 19. and Eph. 3. 12. This is not only an Argument to be urged in Expectation of ⟨p. 258⟩Mercy, but also in the enforcement of Duty, when God beseecheth you by the Bowels of Christ to do his Will, and to mind his Work. If the Blood of Christ cannot prevail with us, to bring us up to the Will of God; how can we expect it should prevail with God to bring us in Returns of Blessing? When God speaks, we slight him; therefore when we speak, God may cast off our Prayers.

(2.) If we would have our Prayers successful. Psal. 66. 18. If I [regard] Iniquity in my Heart, the Lord will not hear me. Clearly, if we will not do God•s Will, there is no reason he should regard our Will. If I regard Iniquity in my Heart: there may be Sin in the Heart, but if I regard it there, God will not hear me; if I entertain an Affection to it. When the Wind blows, some cold Air will get into the Chamber, though the Door be shut never so close; but to leave the Door open for it, doth not argue such a care of Health as is requisite: There will be Sin in the Children of God, but it is not allowed. Love to any known Sin, makes our Prayers to God to be without success. So