I. The time.—“Always.” 1. The frequent practice of prayer. 2. The constant cultivation of the spirit of prayer.
II. The manner.—“With all prayer and supplication.” 1. The prayer of the closet. Secret. 2. The prayer of the family. Domestic. 3. The prayer of the social circle. United. 4. The prayer of the sanctuary. Public.
III. The manner.—“With all prayer and supplication.” 1. There are thanksgivings to be rendered. 2. There are confessions to be made. 3. There are petitions to be offered. 4. There are intercessions to be presented.
IV. Spirituality.—“In the Spirit.” 1. With our own heart. Not formal or mechanical. 2. In dependence on the aid of the Holy Ghost.
V. The continuance.—“With all perseverance.” 1. In the general habit. Prayer never to be given up. 2. In special objects. No fainting in prayer.
VI. The intercession.—“And supplication for all saints.” 1. For the whole Church. 2. For any part of the Church that is in danger of distress. 3. For our own section of the Church. 4. For our Christian friends.—G. Brooks.
The Duty of Prayer.—Prayer is the communion of the soul with God, and the casting of itself upon Him for help and guidance.
I. God has implanted prayer as an instinct in the hearts of men.—In times of danger the soul instinctively cries out for God or some unseen power to interpose and save.
II. God desires that men should pray regularly and constantly.—Blessings are promised in answer to prayer which the soul can obtain in no other way.
III. God commands men to pray.—To abound in prayer and to pray without weariness and fainting.