A discourse of the work of the Holy Spirit in prayer with a brief…

It is true, that whatever we ought to pray for, is declared in the Scripture; yea and summarily comprised in the Lords Prayer. But it is one thing to have what we ⟨p. 52⟩ought to pray for, in the Book; another thing to have it in our Mind, and Hearts, without which it will never be unto us, the due matter of Prayer. It is out of the abundance of the Heart that the Mouth must speak in this matter, Mat. 12. 34. There is therefore in us a threefold defect with respect unto the matter of Prayer; which is supplied by the Holy Spirit, and can be so no other way, nor by any other means; And therein is he unto us a Spirit of Supplication, according to the Promise.

It is true, that whatever we ought to pray for, is declared in the Scripture; yea and summarily comprised in the Lords Prayer. But it is one thing to have what we ⟨p. 52⟩ought to pray for, in the Book; another thing to have it in our Mind, and Hearts, without which it will never be unto us, the due matter of Prayer. It is out of the abundance of the Heart that the Mouth must speak in this matter, Mat. 12. 34. There is therefore in us a threefold defect with repect unto the matter of Prayer; which is supplied by the Holy Spirit, and can be so no other way, nor by any other means; And therein is he unto us a Spirit of Supplication, according to the Promise.

For (1.) we know not our own wants, (2.) we know not the supplied of them that are expressed in the Promises of God, and (3.) we know not the end whereunto what we pray for, is to be directed, which I add unto the former. Without the knowledge and understanding of all these, no man can pray as he ought; and we can no way know them, but by the Aid and Assistance of the Spirit of Grace. And if these things be manifest, it will be evident how in this first Instance we are enabled to pray by the Holy Ghost.