1. And first, our intercession must be _universal_. “I will, (says the apostle) that prayers, supplications and intercessions be made for all men.” For as GOD’s mercy is over all his works, as JESUS CHRIST died to redeem a people out of all nations and languages; so we should pray, that “all men may come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved.” Many precious promises are made in holy writ, that the gospel shall be published through the whole world, that “the earth shall be covered with the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea:” and therefore it is our duty not to confine our petitions to our own nation; but to pray that all those nations, who now sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, may have the glorious gospel shine out upon them, as well as upon us. But you need not that any man should teach you this, since ye yourselves are taught of GOD, and of JESUS CHRIST himself, to pray, that his kingdom may come; part of the meaning of which petition is, that “GOD’s ways may be known upon earth, and his saving health among all nations.”
2. Next to the praying for all men, we should, according to St. _Paul_’s rule, pray for _Kings_; particularly for our present sovereign King _George_, and all that are put in authority under him: that we may lead quiet lives, in all godliness and honesty. For, if we consider how heavy the burden of government is, and how much the welfare of any people depends on the zeal and godly conversation of those that have the rule over them: if we set before us the many dangers and difficulties, to which governors by their station are exposed, and the continual temptations they lie under to luxury and self-indulgence; we shall not only pity, but pray for them: that he who preserved _Esther_, _David_, and _Josiah_, “unspotted from the world,” amidst the grandeur of a court, and gave success to their designs, would also preserve them holy and unblameable, and prosper all the works of their hands upon them. But
3. _Thirdly_, you ought, in a more especial manner, to pray for those, whom “the Holy Ghost hath made _Overseers_ over you.” This is what St. _Paul_ begs, again and again, of the churches to whom he writes: Says he in the text, “Brethren, pray for us;” and again, in his epistle to the _Ephesians_, “praying always, with all manner of supplication; and for me also, that I may open my mouth boldly, to declare the mystery of the gospel.” And in another place, to express his earnestness in this request, and the great importance of their prayers for him, he bids the church “strive, (or, as the original word signifies, be in an agony) together with him in their prayers.” And surely, if the great St. _Paul_, that chosen vessel, that favourite of heaven, needed the most importunate prayers of his christian converts; much more do the ordinary ministers of the gospel stand in need of the intercession of their respective flocks.
And I cannot but in a more especial manner insist upon this branch of your duty, because it is a matter of such importance: for, no doubt, much good is frequently withheld from many, by reason of their neglecting to pray for their ministers, and which they would have received, had they prayed for them as they ought. Not to mention, that people often complain of the want of diligent and faithful pastors. But how do they deserve good pastors, who will not earnestly pray to GOD for such? If we will not pray to the LORD of the harvest, can it be expected he will send forth labourers into his harvest?
Besides, what ingratitude is it, not to pray for your ministers! For shall they watch and labour in the word and doctrine for you, and your salvation, and shall not you pray for them in return? If any bestow favours on your bodies, you think it right, meet, and your bounden duty, to pray for them; and shall not they be remembered in your prayers, who daily feed and nourish your souls? Add to all this, that praying for your ministers, will be a manifest proof of your believing, that though _Paul_ plant, and _Apollos_ water, yet it is GOD alone who giveth the increase. And you will also find it the best means you can use, to promote your own welfare; because GOD, in answer to your prayers, may impart a double portion of his holy spirit to them, whereby they will be qualified to deal out to you larger measures of knowledge in spiritual things, and be enabled more skilfully to divide the word of truth.