study all the prayers recorded in Scripture. Although most of them are
probably but the substance of what was said on the several occasions
when they were offered, yet you will find them much better patterns than
the prayers of Christians at the present day. There is a fervent
simplicity about them, very different from the studied, formal prayers
which we often hear. There is a definiteness and point in them, which
take hold of the feelings of the heart. The Lord's prayer furnishes a
comprehensive summary of the subjects of prayer: and you will take
particular notice what a prominent place is assigned to the petition for
the coming of Christ's kingdom. This shows that, in all our prayers, the
glory of God should be the leading desire of our hearts. But, it is
evident that Christ did not intend this as a particular form of prayer,
to be used on all occasions; although it includes all that is necessary.
We are so made as to be affected with a _particular_ consideration of
the subjects in which we are interested. We find our Lord himself using
other words to suit particular occasions; although the subjects of his
prayers were all included in this. The same thing, also, we observe in
the practice of the apostles and early Christians. This is only intended
as a general pattern; nor is it necessary that all the petitions
contained in the Lord's prayer should ever be made at the said time.

Prayer must always be offered in the name of Christ. There is no other
way by which we can approach God. There is no other channel through
which we can receive blessings from him. Jesus is our Advocate and
Intercessor. Our blessed Lord, speaking of the time of his
glorification, says to his disciples, "Verily, I say unto you,
whatsoever ye shall _ask the Father in my name_, he will give it you."
This, however, does not forbid us to pray directly to Christ, as God
manifest in the flesh, which was a common practice with the apostles.

When the power of prayer is properly understood, it becomes a subject of
amazing interest. I am persuaded there is a vast amount of unbelief, in
relation to this matter, among Christians. If it were not so, the
chariot wheels of God's salvation would roll on with mighty power. There
would be a glorious movement in every part of the world. The Spirit of
the Lord would be shed forth like a "mighty rushing wind." The promises
of God to his people are so large and full, that the utmost stretch of
their faith canno