HItherto hath bin spoken concerning Preaching of the word: it remaineth now to speake of the conceiuing of praiers: which is the second part of Prophecying, whereby the Minister is the voyce of the people in calling vpon God. Luk. 11. 1. One of his Disciples said vnto him, Lord, teach vs to pray, as Iohn also taught his Disciples. 1. Sam. 14. 24.
Here are to be considered:
- The matter thereof, first the wants and sinnes of the people: and then the graces of God and the blessings they stand in neede of. 1. Tim. 2. 1. I exhort therefore aboue all things, that supplications—be made for all men. 2. For Kings and those that are in authoritie. Tertul. Apolog. saith, Wee doe all pray for all Emperours, that they may obtaine a long life, a quiet raigne, a safe familie, couragious armies, a faithfull Counsell, loyall subiects, a peaceable world, and whatsoeuer things are desired of a man and of Caesar, Againe: Wee pray for Emperours, for their ministers and powers, for the state of the time, for the quietnes of their affaires, and for the delaying of their death. The Lords prayer reduceth this matter to sixe heads, which are Gods glorie, kingdome, obedience, the preseruation of the life, the remission of sinnes, and the strengthning of the spirit.
2 The forme thereof. 1. Let there be one voyce, and that the Ministers alone, the people being in the meane while silent, and shewing their assent at the end, by saying Amen. Act. 4. 24. Who when they had heard these things, they lift vp their voyce with one accord vnto God, and said, &c. Nehem. 8. 6. And Ezra praised the Lord the great God, and all the people answered, Amen, Amen. 1. Cor. 14. 16. Else, when thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he that supplieth the place of the vnlearned say Amen at thy giuing of thankes. Iustine in his 2. Apolog. to Antoninus, saith: When the ([…]) President hath finished his prayers and thankes-giuings, all the people that are present, crie out with a fauourable approbation, saying, Amen. Athanasius Apolog. ad Constant. Imp. Euseb. lib. 7. cap. 8. Ierome Prooem. 2. in Gal.
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Let the voyce bee vnderstood. 1. Cor. 14. 15. I will pray with the spirit, I will pray also with the vnderstanding: I will sing with the spirit, I will sing with the vnderstanding also.
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Let the voice be continued, not iagged and abrupt, that idle repetitions may be auoided, […]. Matth. 6. 7.
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The parts, which are three: Consideration, Ordering, and Vttering of it.
Consideration is that, whereby fit matter for the framing of prayers is diligently searched for.
Ordering is that, whereby the matter being found out is disposed in the mind in a certaine order.
Prolation or vttring of it is that, whereby it is orderly pronounced in publike to the edifying of the people.
Trin-vni Deo Gloria.