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

(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 ⟨p. 82⟩when the Soul hath learnt the Spirituality and Holiness of the Law, its extent unto the inward frame and disposition of our Hearts, as well as unto outward Actions, and its requiring absolute Holiness, Rectitude and Conformity unto God at all times, and in all things; then doth it see and learn its own discrepancy from it, and coming short of it, even then when as to outward Acts and Duties, it is unblameable. And hence do proceed those Confessions of Sin in the best and most holy Believers, which they who understand not these things, do deride and scorn. By this means therefore doth the Holy Spirit help us to pray, by supplying us with the due and proper matter of Supplications, even by acquainting us and affecting our hearts with the Spirituality of the Command, and our coming short thereof in our dispositions, and frequent inordinate actings of our Minds and Affections. He who is instructed herein, will on all occasions be prepared with a fullness of matter for Confession and Humiliation; as also, with a sense of that Grace and Mercy, which we stand in need of with respect unto the Obedience required of us.