IX. So many as can conceive prayer, ought to make use

of that gift of God ; albeit those who are rude and weaker may begin at a set form of prayer, but so as they be not sluggish in stirring up in themselves (according to their daily necessities) the spirit of prayer, which is given to all the chil- dren of God in some measure : to which effect, they ought to be more fervent and frequent in secret prayer to God, for enabling of their hearts to conceive, and their tongues to express, convenient desires to God for their family. And, in the mean time, for their greater encouragement, let these materials of prayer be meditated upon^ and made use of, as follbWeth;
" Let them confess to God how unworthy they are to " come in his presence, and howunfitto worshiphis Majesty; *' and therefore earnestly ask of God the spirit of prayer.
" They are to confess their sins, and the sins of the fa- " mily ; accusing, judging, and condemning themselves ^' for them, till they bring their souls to some measure of " true humiliation.
" They are to pour out their souls to God, in the name " of Christ, by the Spirit, for forgiveness of sins; for grace '* to repent, to believe, and to live soberly, righteously, and " godly ; and that they may serve God with joy and de- " light, walking before him.
" They are to give thanks to God for his many mercies " to his people, and to themselves, and especially for his " love in Christ, and for the light of the gospel.
'' They are to pray for such particular benefits, Spiri- " tual and temporal, as they stand in need of for the time, " sickness, prosperity or adversity.
" They ought to pray for the kirk of Christ in general^ " for all the reformed kirks, and for this kirk in particular, «*' and for all that suffer for the name of Christ ; for all our " superiors, the king's majesty, the queen, and their children; *' for the magistrates, ministers, and whole body of the
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Directions for Famifj/'lVorshtp. 599
*' congregation whereof they are members, as well for *' their neighbours absent in their lawful affairs, as for " those that are at home.
" The prayer may be closed with an earnest desire that " God may be glorified in the coming of the kingdom of *' his Son, and in doing of his will, and with assurance " that themselves are accepted, and what they have asked '* according to his will shall be done/*'