St. Paul, whether he writes to churches, or particular persons, shews that they are the constant subject of his prayers.
Thus to the Philippians, I thank my God upon every remembrance of you: always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy, Phil. i. 4, 5.
His devotion had also the same care for particular persons, as appears by the following passage: I thank my God, whom I serve from my forefathers, with a pure conscience, that, without ceasing, I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day, 2 Tim. i. 3. How holy an acquaintance and friendship was this, how worthy of persons that were raised above the world, and related to one another, as new members of a kingdom of heaven!
2. Apostles and great saints did not only thus bless particular churches, and private persons; but they themselves also received graces from God by the prayers of others. Thus saith St. Paul to the Corinthians, You also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf, 2 Cor. i. 11.
This was the ancient friendship of Christians, uniting and cementing their hearts, not by worldly considerations, or human passions, but by the mutual communication of spiritual blessings, by prayers and thanksgivings to God for one another.
It was this holy intercession that raised Christians to such a state of mutual love, as far exceeded all that had been admired in human friendship. And when the same spirit of intercession is again in the world, this holy friendship will be again in fashion, and Christians will be again the wonder of the world, for that exceeding love which they bear to one another.
For a frequent intercession with God, earnestly beseeching him to forgive the sins of all mankind, to bless them with his providence, enlighten them with his Spirit, and bring them to everlasting happiness, is the divinest exercise that the heart of man can be engaged in.
3. Be daily therefore on your knees in a solemn, deliberate performance of this devotion, praying for others with such length, importunity, and earnestness, as you use for yourself; and you will find all little, ill-natured passions die away; and your heart will delight in the common happiness of others, as you used only to delight in your own.
For it is hardly possible for you to beseech God to make any one happy in his glory to all eternity, and yet be troubled to see him enjoy the much smaller gifts of God in this life.
But the greatest benefits of intercession are then received, when it descends to such particular instances as our state and condition in life more particularly require of us.