The fort-royal of the Scriptures, or, The vade-mecum concordance presenting unto the world an hundred heads of Scripture, most of them common-placed for publique use : wherein all (especially the weaker sort of Christians) may suddenly command most of all the rarities in the book of God / by an admirer of the word.

LIX. PRAYER.

Generals.

GOd may grant our requests in anger, and yet crosse us in his wrath, Hos: 13 11.

In extremities of re∣proaches and miseries it is a soveraign remedy Ps. 42.8.

In such and all extre∣mities it ought to bee our refuge, Ps 63.13.

God may seem to be angry against the pray∣ers of his people, Psal. 80.4.

God may heare and answere us, though he take vengeance of our inventions, Ps. 99.8.

It is a dutey to help one another with our prayers, 2 Cor. 1.11.

We should pray every where 1 Tim 2.8.

We ought so to pray as stil to referre all to God, Mat. 26.39. Mat. 6.10.

Manner.

With continuance, we must be instant therin, Rom. 11.11.

With continuance,

we must watch thereun∣to with thanksgiving, Col. 4.2.

With pure hands lift up without wrath or doubting, 1. Tim. 2.8.

We should be sober and watch therin, be∣cause the end of all things is at hand, 1 Pet. 4.7.

We should use no vain repetitions therein Mat. 6.7.

Wee should with watchfulnesse continue in the same with thanks∣giving, Col 4 2.

It ought to be plyed with continuance and instance, Rom. 12.12.

Encouragements.

Because the effectuall fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much, Jam. 5.16.

Because it ascends unto God like incense, Ps. 141.2.

Because every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth and to him that knocketh it shall bee opened, Luke 11.9.

Because in the weak∣nesse of them, Christ presents them and per∣fumes them with sweet odours to be acceptable Rev. 8.3.

Because it is a way to be built up, Job 22.23.

Because God heareth prayer, that all flesh should come unto him, Ps 65.2.

Because he respects the prayer of the desti∣tute, and despiseth not the same, Ps. 202.17.

Because his eyes are over the righteous, and his ears open unto their prayer, 1 Pet 3.12.

Because God is a God hearing prayer, Ps. 55.19.

Because whatsoever we ask in prayer, if we believe, we have it, 1. John ••••22.

By watchfulnesse and continuance therein we shall be counted wor∣thy to escape great e∣vils, and to stand at last before the Son of man, Luke 21.36.

Whatsoever we ask the Father in Christs name, he wil do it, Ioh. 14.13.

Experience.

When in the night we pray and meditate, our soules may be filled as it were with marrow, 63.5.

God many times hears us whilst we are speak∣ing and praying, Dan. 9.20.

He hath promised so to do, whilst wee pray and call, Isa. 65.24.

Power.

It may shut and open heaven, Iam. 5.17.

Trials.

Our distresses are times of prayer, Ps. 18.6.

By Daniel it was used three times a day; by David seven times a day, Ps. 119. Dan. 6.10. Ps. 55.17.

We ought to pray continually, 1 Thess. 5.17.

Incessant crying there∣in, is a good plea in our misery, Ps. 88.1, 2.

Our words should be few therein, Eccl. 5.7.

It must be with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, with watching and all perse∣verance, 6.18.

Our requests for our friends, ought to bee made with joy, Ph. 1.4

It is a fit time to pray

then when chastisment is upon us, then to pour it out, Isa. 26.16.

The way to prevaile therein is with weep∣ing, wrastling, and importunity, Hos 12.3

To be instant and take no denyall therein prevailes, Luk. 1.8.

To ply God, and overcome him with strong invincible argu∣ments, Mat. 15.27.

True mourning there∣in is to mourn apart without shewes, Mat. 5.6. Zech. 13.3.

The greater our a∣gonie is, the greater & stronger should be our prayers, Luk. 22.13.

Our comfort therein is according to our faith, Iohn 11.40.