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

But moreover, Prayer falleth under another Consideration, namely, as to its external Performance, and as the Duty is discharged by any one in lesser or greater Societies, wherein upon his words and expressions do depend their Conjunction with him, their Communion in the Duty, and consequently their Edification in the whole. This is the Will of God, that in Assemblies of his Appointment, as Churches and Families, and occasional meetings of two or three or more in the name of Christ, one should pray in the name of himself and the rest that join with him. Thus are Ministers enabled to pray in Church-Assemblies, as other Christians in occasional meetings of the Disciples of Christ in his name; Parents in their Families; and in Secret, every Believer for himself.

But moreover, Prayer falleth under another Consideration, namely, as to its external Performance, and as the Duty is discharged by any one in lesser or greater Societies, wherein upon his words and expressions do depend their Conjunction with him, their Communion in the Duty, and consequently their Edification in the whole. This is the Will of God, that in Assemblies of his Appointment, as Churches and Families, and occasional meetings of two or three or more in the name of Christ, one should pray in the name of himself and the rest that joyn with him. Thus are Ministers enabled to pray in Church-Assemblies, as other Christians in occasional meetings of the Disciples of Christ in his name; Parents in their Families; and in Secret, every Believer for himself.

There is a Spiritual Ability given unto men by the Holy Ghost, whereby they are enabled to express the matter of Prayer as taught and revealed in the manner before described, in words fitted and suited to lead on their own minds and the minds of others unto an Holy Communion in the Duty, to the Honour of ⟨p. 123⟩God, and their own Edification. I do not confine the use of this Ability unto Assemblies; every one may, and usually is to make use of it according to the measure which he hath received for himself also. For if a man have not an Ability to pray for himself in private and alone, he can have none to pray in public and Societies. Wherefore take Prayer as Vocal, without which Adjunct it is not complete, and this Ability belongs to the Nature and Essence of it. And this also is from the Spirit of God.