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

(4.) When things are so prepared and cast into a form of Prayer, those by whom such forms are used, do no more understand them, than if they had never been cast into any such form, unless the Spirit of God give them an understanding of them, which the form it self is no sanctified means unto. And where that is done, there is no need of it.

(5.) It is the Work of the Holy Spirit to give unto Believers such a comprehension of promised Grace and Mercy, as that they may constantly apply their minds unto that or those things in an especial manner which are suited unto their present daily wants and occasions, with the frame and dispositions of their Souls and Spirit. This is that which gives spiritual beauty and order unto the Duty of Prayer; namely, the suiting of Wants and Supplies, of a thankful disposition and Praises, of Love and Admiration unto the excellencies of God in ⟨p. 81⟩Christ, all by the Wisdom of the Holy Ghost. But when a Person is made to pray by his Directory for things though good in themselves, yet not suited unto his present state, frame, inclination, wants and desires, there is Spiritual Confusion and disorder and nothing else.

Again, What we have spoken concerning the Promises, must also be applied unto all the Precepts or Commands of God. These in like manner are the matter of our Prayers, both as to Confession and Supplication. And without a right understanding of them, we can perform no part of this duty as we ought. This is evident in their apprehension who repeating the words of the Decalogue, do subjoin their acknowledgements of a want of Mercy, with respect unto the Transgression of them, I suppose, and their desires to have their hearts inclined to keep the Law. But the Law with all the Commands of God are Spiritual and inward, with whose true sense and importance in their extent and latitude, we cannot have an useful Acquaintance, but by the enlightening, instructing efficacy of the Grace of the Spirit. And where this is, the mind is greatly supplied with the true matter of Prayer. For