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

(2.) Constant searching of the Scripture unto the same purpose is another subservient Duty unto this of Prayer it self. That is the Glass, wherein we may take the best view of our selves, because it at once represents both what we are, and what we ought to be; what we are in our selves, and what we are by the Grace of God; what are our Frames, Actions and Ways, and what is their defect in the Sight of God. And an higher instruction what to pray for, or how to pray, cannot be given us, Psal. 19. 7, 8, 9. Some imagine that to search the Scriptures, thence to take Forms of speech, or Expressions accommodated unto all the parts of Prayer, and to set them in order or retain them in memory, is a great help to Prayer. Whatever it be, it is not that which I intend at present. It is most true if a man be mighty in the Scriptures, singularly conversant and exercised ⟨p. 170⟩in them, abounding in their senses and expressions, and have the help of a faithful Memory withal, it may exceedingly further and assist him in the exercise of this Gift unto the edification of others. But this Collection of Phrases, speeches, and expressions, where perhaps the mind is barren in the sense of the Scripture, I know not of what use it is. That which I press for, is a diligent search into the Scripture as to the things revealed in them. For therein are our Wants in all their Circumstances and Consequents discovered and represented unto us, and so are the Supplies of Grace and Mercy which God hath provided for us; the former with Authority to make us sensible of them, and the latter with that Evidence of Grace and faithfulness, as to encourage us to make our Requests for them. The Word is the Instrument whereby the Holy Spirit reveals unto us our wants, when we know not what to ask, and so enables us to make Intercessions according to the mind of God, Rom. 8. Yea who is it, who almost at any time reading the Scripture with a due Reverence of God, and Subjection of Conscience unto him, that hath not some particular matter of Prayer or Praise effectually ⟨p. 171⟩suggested unto him?