CHAPTER TT. 119 Father hears the groans of the prisoner; Psalm eii. 20. And there hathbeen glorious communion maintained with God before the end of that season of worship, when at the beginning of it the saintcould say nothing else but, Lord, I cannot pray. Let it be notedhere, that when thereis such a heaviness and deadness upon the spirit, such a coldness or distraction in this worship, and such an averseness and reluctance in the mind, it ought to be a matte^of humiliation, and deep self -abasement be- fore God ; especially when at any time we are sensible that it is owing to our own negligence, or to some late guilt brought upon the conscience. Earnestly we should beg pardon for it ; and as Bishop Wilkins says, " What we want in the degrees of our .duty, we should be sure to make up in humility, and this will be the most proper improvement of our failings, when we can strengthen ourselves by our very infirmities." I proceed now to lay down some directions concerning the matter of our prayers, Chow to manage it right. I. Direction. Do not think it absolutely necessary to insist upon all the parts.of prayer in every address to God ; though in our stated and solemn prayers thereare but few of them that can be well.left out. What we omit at one time, we mayperhaps pursue at another with more lively affection, that so we may fulfil all our errands at the throne ofgrace. But let us be sure to in- sist most upon those things which are warmest in our own hearts, especially in secret ; and this is a good advice, even in social prayers, when those things which we are deeply affected with, are such as the company that joins with us may pro- perly be concerned in too. Also let those parts of prayer have the largest share in the performance, for which our spi- rit is best prepared, and with which it is most sensibly imprest at the present season ; whether it be adoration, petition, confession, or thanksgiving. This will not only furnish us with matter, but will keep our spirits lively in the work, and will be the best means to affect those that join with us, and to call their graces into exercise. Those things indeed whichour fellow- worshippers cannot be concerned in, are better laid aside till we come to Speak to God alone. H. Direction. Suit the matter of your prayer to the special occasion of each particular duty, to the circumstances of the time, place, and persons, with, and for whom, you pray. This will be another spring of matter, and will direct you to the ehoice of proper thoughts and language for every part of prayer. 1. The time. If it be morning, then we adore God as the watchful shepherdof Israel, that slumbers not, nor sleeps. Then weconfess our inability to have defended ourselves through all the hours of darkness, while nature and our active powers lie as
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