The second Commandment does enjoyn us to worship God, after such a spiritual manner, and by such holy means, as is agreeable to his Nature, and required in his Word.
So that from hence we are taught to pray for the direction and asistance of his Spirit in all our holy duties; that he would work in us an holy frame and temper of heart, without which ‘tis not possible for us to performe any acceptable service; That he would quicken our affections to a greater fervency, and delight in our attendance upon him.
That he would make us more careful in enjoying and increasing our communion with him, by a conscionable observance of all those holy ordinances which he hath appointed; particularly, 1. Prayer. 2. Ministery of the Word. 3. Receiving of the Sacraments.
11. That he would poure upon us the Spirit of prayer and supplication; make us diligent and constant in our Publick Private devotions, that we may accustome our selves to them with a greater forwardnesse and delight, as being the chief means to ease our hearts of all troubles and sorrow,2 to fill up our joy.
That we may be more solemn and reverent in our approaches before him, as considering that we who are but dust and ashes, vile, despicable creatures, are to speak unto that dreadful Majesty, before whom all the world shall be judged at the last day.
That we may be more vigilant over our own hearts, in respect of roving, distracted thoughts, which are so apt to interrupt us in this duty. That we may stir up our selves to lay hold on God, (Isa. 64.7) and set our faces to seek him: Not pouring out words onely, but our souls before him:3 Serving him in our spirits: Drawing near unto him with a true heart, sprinkled from an evill conscience.
That he would be pleased to assist us, and to accept of us in this duty:4 Shedding abroad his love in our hearts: Opening our lips, that our mouths may shew forth his praise. And then that the words of our mouths, (Psal. 19.14) and the meditations of our hearts may be alwayes acceptable in his sight.
That we may confesse our sins with a greater sense and sorrow for them, (Confession) feeling in our selves a greater loathing and detestation of them; Acknowledging our transgressions, (Psal. 51.3) and setting our sins before us; Abhorring our selves for them, (Job 42.6) and repenting in dust and ashes.
That we may put up our petitions with a greater faith and fervency, (Petition) as being truly sensible of our own wants, and those gracious promises which he hath made for the supply of them: Drawing near in the full assurance of faith nothing wavering:5 Asking such things as are according to his will. That his Spirit may help our infirmities, and make intercession for us; and that he would remember the promise which he hath made to be nigh unto them that call upon him in truth, and to fulfill the desire of those that fear him. (Ps. 145.18)
That we may give thanks with greater chearfulnesse,6 and love, and sense of his favours, with such heartinesse, and fervency, as may be in some measure proportionable to our importunity· in the want of mercies. That we may be ready to speak the praises of our God, whilest we have any being; (Psal. 104.33, 34) that our meditations of him may be sweet, and we may be glad in the Lord.
That we may retain a relish and taste of this holy duty in our mindes after the performance of it; behaving our selves answerably in the course of our lives, observing what return is made to our prayers. Hearkening what God the Lord will say. (Psal. 85.8) Considering the several wayes and dispensations of his providence towards us; that we may understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord. (Ps. 107.34)
This Commandment does likewise concerne the duties which belong to that other Ordinance,7 the Ministery of the word, in reference both to Minister. People.