Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

. In ufing the means., Of Preparation unto prayer: diflra6f our minds. 09Lticquid ante orationis heron anima noftra conceperit, necef eft ut orantibus nobis per ingeftionem recordationis occurrat. 4Quarnobrem quales orantes volumus inveniri tales nos ante orationis tem- pru preparare debemos : Whatfoever before the houre of prayer the mind hath conceived, it is ne- ceffary that whileft we are praying it offer it felf by the ingeflion of the remembrance. Wherefore fuch as we would be found to be whileft we pray, we muff prepare our felves to be fuch before the time of prayer. Secondly, we muff put off the (hoes off our feet ; as Exod. 3. Jof.5. that is, our pollutions and corrupt affeaions: as carnali luff, which maketh the heart fpeak lewd things; and anger, as 1. Tim. 2. 8. r. Pet. 5. 7. Matth. 5. 23,24. Thirdly, we muff not fuffer our heart to be made heavie with furfeting and drunkenneffe, Luke 21. 34,36. but contrariwife, with prayer upon extraordinary occa- fions to joyn falling, I. Cor. 7. 5. and with the ordinarie a moderate diet. Fourthly, if we be guil- ty of any fin unrepented of we muff repent thereof, promifing and purpofing amendment for the time to come; for finne not repented of is as a mall of pin:- ration between God and us, Ifai. S9. 152. God heareth not impenitent finners,John 9.3i. Ifai. i . 15, 16, 18. & therefore, as Pfal.26.6. we mu.t wall) our hands in innocencie, and fo come to the altar of the Lord to of- fer the incenfe of our prayers, lifting up holy hands unto God, I.Tim.2.8. The means. Firft, becaufe the Lord prepareth the heart, Pfal. io. 17. we are to defire him to prepare our hearts unto prayer. Secondly, we muff ufe me- ditation: