Motives to holy living, or, Heads for meditation divided into consideratins, counsels, duties : together with some forms of devotion in litanies, collects, doxologies, &c.

§. 90.

1. Concern∣ing Prayer: Concerning Prepara∣tives to Prayer.

1. BEfore your appearing before God in Prayer, clear∣ing your self (as God hath commanded), so far as it is in your power, from your sins towards your Neighbour; and quitting all his toward you: In satisfaction, either al∣ready performed to him, or seriously promised to God, where injuring; and in forgiveness, presented likewise then to God, where injured. (Matt. 5.23, 24. —1. Tim. 2.8. Mark. 11.25. Jam. 3.9, 10.)

2. Performing your devotions, either when fasting, or very temperate, and at some reasonable distance from your meals; and sometimes also preparing your self son them by some acts of mortification. Nothing is so oppo∣site to devotion, and the Spirit, as intemperance, strong drink, and excess in diet (See Eph. 5.18. Act. 10.30, Matt. 17.21. Luk. 1.15. Psal. 35.13. Dan. 10.1, 2. 12. Act. 13.2, 3.)

3. 1 Not coming to them with your mind, and thoughts already tired out, and spent in other business (which ac∣cordingly must needs be less serviceable to you, in this your greatest duty) and some little time before them (if you can) deserting other employments. 'Tis beneficial, before you go to Prayer, to read something pious; or (if you please) to read some Prayer, before praying; so to

retire your mind, from secular thoughts, and dispose it to Divine.

3. 2 When you go to Prayer, with an hour-glass measu∣ring your time; and taking some Book of Devotion or Saints life, with which you use to be much affected, to lye by you; and for this also chusing a place of Prayer con∣venient for light and reading; and, when sterilities and dulness, or much distraction of thoughts, assault you, read∣ing so long till something affect you. This hath been the practice of many great Saints. And he who useth this stome, will go much more chearfully to this spiritual ex∣ercise, and spend longer time in it, having these Arms about him to repel the ordinary disturbers of it.

4. In the morning performing your Devotions, first; whilst the mind is clear, and not engaged in other thoughts.

5. In the Evening, last; when the mind hath for that day taken her leave of all other business; and that so your time of Prayer also may not be limited by them.

6. Since for every day you perform and renew them, ap∣plying your Prayers, Confessions, Petitions, &c. more chiefly to the occurrences of the present day [as that of our Lord; Give us this day, &c.] which will make, your Requests (as being for things near at hand) more affectionate; and your endeavours (that day) in the seconding of your Prayers, and rendring them not frustrate, more vigilant, and earnest.

7. Using all humble reverence of the Body,* 1.1 &c, where op∣portunity; yet not confining your self for all the time of Prayer to any one posture thereof, after it begins to be pain∣ful, or tedious (whilst you retain the same humility, and devotion in all); nor omitting the substance of the Duty of Prayer, for being hindered perchance of such circum∣stances. Freely expressing also, and venting the holy passions of your mind and of the Spirit, by the exterior in∣dications, and effects thereof; As by sighing; groaning; weeping; &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Corporal Reverence in Prayer.