I answer, some spirituall distempers may hinder, and obstruct the operations of the Spirit of prayer: nevertheles the soul and spirit praies and mourns for the absence of holy pleasure, and delight in this holy exercise. Hence Davids mourning (as a Turtledove) in his prayers, and Jeremies lamentings for the obstructions, between the Lord and their souls, in this holy Communion.
The second difference is, the Hypocrites prayers more respect the ears of men then God, as the Lord Jesus tells us; They pray that men may know so much, and esteem them Religious: Gods children, like true lovers, delight to be private, and fervent with their heavenly Father and Husband.
The prayers of Gods people most respect spiritual and soul mercies.
Thirdly, Hypocrites in their prayers most commonly respect earthly things, (and therefore Hos. 7.) they cry and howl upon their Beds, for corn and wine: or at the best they respect but themselves, &c. although it be in the pardon of their sins, and saving of their Souls: But the prayers of Gods children, chiefly eye heavenly things.
Hence the wonderfull spirituallity of Christs prayer to his Father, (John 7.) for the glorifying of his name, and spirituall Grace, and mercy in the souls of Beleevers: Hence the admirable spirituality of Davids prayers, for spirituall and soul mercies, Psal: 119. And the fervent prayers of Paul in all his Epistles for heavenly and spirituall mercies to the Saints of God.
Hypocrites like Dogs howl and fawn for bones and crusts, &c. But Gods children beg the proper tokens, and characters of a spirituall Father, to his spirituall children, and Beloved.
Gods people wait for, and rest in Gods answer.
4thly, Hypocrites will not always cry unto God (Job. 27.) but at last with Saul, if God answer not, they run to the Devill in evil means, murmur and despair: But Gods children can no more cease to cry unto God, then to live a spiritual life, and therefore resolve to give God no Rest untill they receive an answer, and therefore also wait for his holy pleasure, and leasure, and at last are satisfied with the Lords holy pleasure, and sentence, although it seem crosse, add bitter to flesh, and blood: So Moses in respect of his suit to God, for his going into the land of Canaan: So David praying for his child: So Christ Jesus in respect of his bitter cup. So Paul praying against his great temptation.
Obj. But may not Hypocrites pray long, and also wait upon God?
I answer, they may, yet at last, out of unbelief, and anger, like an angry Dog, or sturdy Beggar, they cry out in murmur, and wrath, as the unbelieving King of Israel, what should I wait upon God any longer? But Gods children never give over: for when they grow weary, they (like Moses) beg help to their fainting hands in prayer, and desire their eyes may never cease trickling tears unto God, untill he look down from Heaven, Lament: 2.