328 ERRORS IN PRAYER. we ourselves are not attending ? And is not this presumptuously to demand from Him that attention, which we ourselves are not giving to our own requests, even while we are in the act of making them ? A mere superficial form, by lulling the conscience, hardens the heart. The task is performed ; but in what manner, or to what result, is not enquired. Genuine prayer is the homage of the soul to God, and not an expedient to pacify Him. If you observe the form, but forget the dispositions it is intended to produce, it is evident the end of such prayer is not answered. Yet be not so far discouraged by feeling no sensible effect from prayer as to discontinue it ; it is still a right thing to be found in the way of duty. But, perhaps, you neglect to implore the Spirit of Christ towards the direction of your prayers, and His intercession for their acceptance. As there is no other name through which we can be saved, so there is no other through which we can be heard : we must not sever his medi-
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=