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

(1.) A constant Consideration and Observation of our selves, our own Hearts, with our spiritual state and condition. Thence are the matters of our Requests or Petitions in Prayer to be taken, Psal. 16. 7. And as our state in general by reason of the Depths and Deceitfulness of our Hearts, with our Darkness in spiritual things, is such as will find us matter of continual search and Examination all the days of our lives, as is expressed in those Prayers, Psal. 19. 12. Psal. 139. 23, 24. So we are subject unto various Changes and Alterations in our spiritual frames and actings every day; as also unto Temptations of all sorts. About these things according as our occasions and necessities do require, are we to deal with God in our Supplications, Phil. 4. 6. How shall we be in a readiness hereunto, prepared with the proper matter of Prayer, if we neglect a constant and diligent Observation of our selves herein, or the state of our own Souls? This being the food of the Gift, where it is neglected, the Gift it self will decay. If men consider only a Form of Things in a course, they ⟨p. 168⟩will quickly come to a Form of Words.

(1.) A constant Consideration and Observation of our selves, our own Hearts, with our spiritual state and condition. Thence are the matters of our Requests or Petitions in Prayer to be taken, Psal. 16. 7. And as our state in general by reason of the Depths and Deceitfulness of our Hearts, with our Darkness in spiritual things, is such as will find us matter of continual search and Examination all the daies of our lives, as is expressed in those Prayers, Psal. 19. 12. Psal. 139. 23, 24. So we are subject unto various Changes and Alterations in our spiritual frames and actings every day; as also unto Temptations of all sorts. About these things according as our occasions and necessities do require, are we to deal with God in our Supplications,