Much that is called prayer is utterly unworthy of that sacred name. That which alone will prevail to the extent of our necessities, must be comprehensive, spiritual, persevering.
It must, in the first place, be comprehensive. In the text, mention is made of supplication, and of intercession : both of which are necessary in their season. Of supplications, there are some stated, such as those which we offer regularly in the Church, the family, and the closet; others are occasional ; and are presented to God at those intervals, when any particular occurrence, whether prosperous or adverse, renders it necessary to obtain some special interposi- tion of the Deity. Intercessions are those prayers which we offer for others ; and which are intented to bring down blessings either on the xvorld at large (for God commands " intercession to be made for all men, and more especially for kings, and all that are in authority6") or on the saints in particular, with whom we have a common interest ; and amongst whom, as amongst soldiers in the same army, there should exist a solicitude to promote to the uttermost each other's safety and welfare.
Now it is by a regular application to God, in all these ways, that we are to procure from heaven those seasonable supplies which we stand in need of. Respecting the customary devotions of the closet, both in the morning and the evening, corresponding to the sacrifices that were daily offered to God under the Mosaic lawf, there can be no doubt. A man who neglects them has no pretension to the Christian name. Instead of being in a state of friendship with God, he must rather be numbered amongst his ene- mies ; for the very description given of his enemies is, that they call not upon Godg; whereas the cha- racter of his friends is, that " they are a people near unto him1'." Nor is it less necessary that we should worship God in our families : for, as we have family wants, and family mercies, it is proper that we should
e 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2. f Exod. xxix. 38, 39, 42.
g Ps. xiv. 4. h Ps. cxlviii. 14.