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ManualO FINTERCESSORY PRAYER,CONTAININGA Selection of Topics forEVERY DAY IN THE WEEK ;WITHAppropriate ExamplesfeomTHE HOLY SCRIPTURES, ANDTHE LITURGY.COMPILED AND ARRANGED BY A CLERGYMAN.The effectual fervent Prayer of a Righteous Manavaileth much. St. James, v. 16.I P SWI CH:Printed and Sold by J. Haw,Sold also by Hutst, Chance, & Co. Seeley & Son, anNisbet, London ; and II. Mozley & Son, Derby.1828. ,
PREFACE.The Compiler of the followingManual has no wish to impose aparticular set of Rules on any ofhis readers, or to recommend as aModel for others, the System ofIntercessory Prayer which he hasadopted for himself. His object isto suggest a Jew scriptural hintsand motives for the more punctualobservance ofa duty which he believesto be unspeakably important, andwhich has been the delight of themost eminent servants of God inevery age. A spirit ofsympathy is,in a peculiar sense, the Spirit ofChrist ; and if we are under the
blessed influence of his Gospel, weshall view the happiness ofothers asintimately connected with our own ;we shall rejoice with them that dorejoice: and weep with them thaiweep ; and our bitterest enemies willnot be excluded Jrom our Intercessions at the throne ofgrace. Maythe love of our adorable Redeemeranimate the hearts ofall his followers ; and may we be constantlyguided by that heavenly wisdon,,which is first pure, then peaceable,gentle, and easy to be entreated, fuVof mercy and good fruits, withou,partiality, and without hypocrisy
INTRODUCTION.Testimonies ofVarious Authors, in, reference toIntercessory Prayer-** THE Prayers of the meanest saints maybe useful to the greatest apostles, bothwith respect to their persons and the discharge of their office. Hence it was usualwith the apostle St. Paul to desire the prayersof the churches to whom he wrote. For inmutual prayer for each other, consists oneprincipal part of the communion of saints,wherein they are helpful to one another inall times, places, and conditions. It is thespecial duty of the churches to pray for themwho are eminently useful in the work of theministry."Dr. Owen.it
" Many may be unfit for serving theircountry in the field, who may yet promote itsadvantage in their closets, and by their influence at the throne of grace, may be thestrongest bulwark of the land. Had we morepersons among us, endued with the piousfervour of Moses, to hold up their hands toGod on behalf of the nation, we shouldhave less reason to fear the most formidableadversaries."Rev. T. Robinson.« Let me alone," said the Lord to Moses,when he pleaded with him in behalf of rebellious Israel, " let me alone that I maydestroy them in a moment:" he could not,so to speak, proceed to take vengeance, unless his servant would cease to plead forthem. Abraham desisted from asking beforethe Lord delayed to grant his supplicationsfor guilty Sodom. Sennacherib's numeroushost was too feeble to withstand the unitedprayers of Hezekiah and Isaiah : nor couldHerod's prison and guards detain or destroy
Peter, when time was given to the churchto pour out their prayers for him. Dovethen hear of good designs which seem likelyto be frustrated through the artifices of theenemy, and their interference with mens secular interest? Let us remember that ourprayers are the appointed and effectual meansof removing these impediments : and perhapsthe Lord delays the success of such designs,till he be importuned by the whole multitudeof his people ; that, as he alone can send prosperity, or give the blessing, so the wholeglory may thus be given to him, whateverinstruments he may honour, by employingthem in such beneficial services. It is, however, our bounden duty thus to assist all wholabour to do good. We should pray withoutceasing that the ministers of Christ may bofaithful, bold, zealous, prudent, and successful; that the Lord would send forth labourersinto his vineyard; that pure christianity maybe diffused on every side ; that the churchmay become as " a city that is at unity withinitself:" that at this time, " when the enemyb 2
8comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lordmay lift up a standard against him ;" thatimpiety and false religion may be suppressed; that Jews, Pagans, Infidels, andMohammedans may be converted ; that suchas are gone amidst manifold dangers andhardships, to preach the gospel in remote regions, may be protected, supported, comforted,and prospered ; and that the earth may speedilybe " filled with the knowledge of the Lordas the waters cover the sea."" There is in general too small a proportionby far of supplication or intercession, in thedevotions of christians of the present day.Selfishness seems even to infect our religion :we seek comfort, and perhaps sanctification,for ourselves, the company, and our particular circle ; but, except on special occasions,we are not apt to enlarge, to multiply ourpetitions, and fill our mouths with arguments,in pleading for our fellow christians, and fellow sinners throughout the world; or evenfor our own country, and the church of Godthat is amongst us.
L'et no one make unworthiness, or discouragement, or want of liberty in prayer, anexcuse or reason for neglecting this boundenduty. In general, prayer for others is thebest preparation for pouring out our owncomplaints before God with confidence andcomfort; and did we more generally beginas our Lord hath taught us, " Hallowed bethy name ; thy kingdom come ; thy will be lone in earth, as it is in heaven ;" we shouldmore generally conclude with animated alacrity, " For thine," O Lord, " is the kingdom,and the power and the glory, for ever andever : Amen."Rev. T. Scott." The communion of saints is the great privilege of all the children of God ; they maybe separate from each other in body, and yetmay daily meet at the throne of grace. Thisis one branch of the communion of saints, tobe present in spirit to each other ; sharing incommon of the influences of the Spirit, theyfeel the same desires, aim at the same objects
10Und, so far as they are personally acquainted,are led to bear each other upon their heartsin prayer. It has often been an encouragement to me in a dark and dull hour, whenrather the constraint of duty, than the consideration of privilege, has brought me uponmy knees, to reflect how many hearts, andeyes, and hands, have been probably liftedup in the same moment with mine; thisthought has given me new courage. O whata great family has our Father ! and whatDavid says of the natural is true of thespiritual life. " These wait all upon thee ;" that thou mayest give them their meat in." due season. That thou givest them, they" gather : thou openest thine hand, and they" are filled with good." Then I particularlythink of those who have been helpful to mein time past ; the seasons of sweet communionwe have enjoyed together, the subjects of ourmutual complaints, &c. Where are they, orhow engaged now? Perhaps this momentpraying or thinking about me. Then I amroused to make their cases my own, and by
Itattempting to plead for them, I get strengthto pray for myself."Rev. John Newton.f Have you a friend? Goto the throneof grace and there exalt and refine yourfriendship ; there enumerate all his wants ;think over all the real blessings which yourindulgent love would wish him to enjoy;give full scope to the ardour of your feelings;consider all the snares to which he is exposed,all the failings which your anxious regard forhim would wish to be corrected ; spread before God these wishes of your soul ; praythat he may be enriched by the God of allgrace with all spiritual blessings ; draw outyour heart with love towards him ; let thisbe at once the proof and the solace of yourfriendship. In your different addresses toGod, let not one in the whole circle of yourfriends be forgotten ; and surely this will expand the soul, and give the richest and themost delightful, because the most noble, en«joyment of true love and affection.
12Have you a Pastor who watches over yoursouls ? O return for him those prayers whichhe offers for you ! How animating would itbe for your Minister to consider his flock asremembering him before God ! With whathope, what comfort, what joy, would heminister before you, could he believe thatyour prayers had already ascended for him tothe throne of grace ! What a sacred unionwould it produce ! How just an image wouldit exhibit of that intimate and endearing connection which subsists between the differentmembers of the Church of Christ ! See inthese instances the communion of saints.Thus have they fellowship with each other,and with their common Head. Thus ischristian love produced and cherished inthem. They learn to drop their animosities,and forgive as they hope to be forgiven.Their love is excited, preserved, and purified.They descend from the mount with theircountenances glowing with the warmth oftenderness for those on whose behalf theyhave been interceding there. This is their
13bond of union ; the secret but powerful springof affection unknown to the world, and producing an unfailing supply of encreasingbenevolence-"Rev. J. Venn." The Rev. Mr. Romaine was in the habitof devoting two hours every Friday to particular intercession with God for his friends.He had their names written down on paper,and used to walk about his room, mentioningthem one by one, and specifying their wants,as far as he knew them, with earnest supplication."The following extracts from the Diary of theRev. David Brainerd, will shew the highimportance which he attached to the duty ofIntercession." In prayer my soul was enlarged, and myfaith drawn into sensible exercise ; I wasenabled to cry to God for my poor Indiana ;and though the work of their conversion ap
14peared " impossible with man, yet with God,I saw all things were possible." My faithwas much strengthened by observing thewonderful assistance God afforded his servantsNehemiah and Ezra, in reforming his people,and re-establishing his ancient church. Iwas much assisted in prayer for dear christian friends, and for others that I apprehended to be christless ; but was more especiallyconcerned for the poor Heathen, and thoseof my own charge.I was enabled to beinstant in prayer for them, and hoped thatGod would bow the heavens and come downfor their salvation. It seemed to me, therecould be no impediment sufficient to obstructthat glorious work, seeing the living God asI strongly hoped, was engaged for it."—" My soul was much solemnized in readingGod's word, especially the ninth chapter ofDaniel. I saw how God had called out hisservants to prayer, and made them wrestlewith him, when he designed to bestow anygreat mercy on his church."—" While I wasriding, I had a deep sense of the greatness
15and difficulty of my work ; and my soulseemed to rely wholly on God for success, inthe diligent and faithful use of the means. Isaw, with the greatest certainty, that the armof the Lord must be revealed, for the help ofthe poor Heathen, if ever they were delivered from the bondage of the powers ofdarkness."—" I spent an hour in prayer,with great intenseness and freedom, and withthe most soft and tender affection towardsmankind. I longed that those who bear meill-will might be eternally happy : it seemedrefreshing to think of meeting them in heaven, how much soever they had injured meon earth : I had no disposition to insist uponany confession from them, in order to reconciliation, nor of the exercise of love andkindness from them. I could not have spokena word of bitterness, or entertained a bitterthought against the vilest man living. Oh itis an emblem of heaven itself, to love all theworld with a love of forgiveness and bene*volence!"
i ;" There is much in the preceding accoitnt,"Says President Edwards, " to excite and enCourage God's people to earnest prayers, andendeavours for the advancement and enlargement of the Kingdom of Christ in the world.Mr. Brainerdset us an example in this respect;he sought the prosperity of Zion with all hismight, and preferred Jerusalem above hischief joy. How did his soul long and pantafter it; how earnestly and often did he Wrestle with God for it ; and how far did he,in these desires and prayers, seem to be carried beyond all private and selfish views ;being animated by a pure love to Christ, anearnest desire of his glory, and a disinterestedaffection to the souls of mankind. The consideration of this, ought to be not only anincitement to the people of God, but may alsobe a just encouragement to them, to be muchin seeking and praying, for a general outpouring of the Spirit of God, and an extensiverevival of religion.I confess that God'sgiving so much of a spirit of prayer for thismercy to so eminent a servant of his, and
17exciting him in so extraordinary a manner,and with such vehement thirstings of soul, toagonize in prayer for it from time to time,through the course of his life, is one thingamong others, which gives me great hope,that God has a design of accomplishingsomething very glorious for the interest ofhis church before long. One such instanceas this, I conceive, gives more encooragementthan the common, cold, formal prayers ofthousands."The Rev. Dantel Wilson in a Sermon onthe Death of the Rev. T. Scott, observesthat " Intercessory prayer was his delight.He was accustomed in his family devotion'sto intercede earnestly for the whole church-,for the government of his country, for theministers of religion, for those preparing forthe sacred office, for schools and universities,for the different nations of Christendom, forthe Heathen and Jews, and for all religiousinstitutions ; varying his supplications as circumstances seemed to dictate. As he approached the close of life, his deep humility
IKof mind, and his zeal for the glory of hisSaviour, were very affecting and edifying tothose who were present on these occasions.He was the aged saint filled with the love ofGod and man, and supplicating for the wholehuman race. More especially, he had forabove twenty years been constantly imploringof God that he would open some way for theconversion of the world, as well as the moreextensive diffusion of genuine christianity athome, before he saw any apparent means farthe accomplishment of his desires; and whenthe establishment of the Bible and MissionaryInstitutions, seemed to afford a prospect ofthe consummation which he had so ferventlydesired, his thanksgivings to God abounded."*On many occasions the beloved HenrtMaiityn displayed an extraordinary zeal inthe duty which we are now recommending,and the following Extracts from his Memoirwill shew that, like St. Paul, he sought nothis own profit, but the profit of many, thatthey might be saved :—
19" Falling in with the trade winds, the fleetmude quick progress towards India; andwhilst the breezes wafted Mr. Martyn towards the destined scene of his labours, manya sigh did he continue to breathe under asense of his own sinfulness and weakness ;and many a petition did he pour forth for thenation to whom he was sent."—" After settingapart a day for fasting and humiliation, hebegan to pray for the setting up of God'sKingdom in the world, especially in India,and had such energy and delight in prayer ashe never had before experienced. " My wholesoul," he said, "wrestled with God. I knewnot how to leave off crying to Him to fulfilhis promises, chiefly pleadinghis own gloriouspower. I do not know that any thing wouldbe a heaven to me but the service of Christ,and the enjoyment of his presence. O howsweet is life when spent in his service ! I amgoing upon a work immediately according tothe mind of Christ, and my glorious Lord,whose power is uncontrollable, can easilyopena way for his feeble follower through thec 2
2 thickest of the ranks of his enemies. Andnow, on let me go, smiling at my foes ! Howsmall are human obstacles before this mightyLord! How easy is it for God to effect hispurposes in a moment'."—Soon after his arrival in India, he wrote a letter to one of hisfriends in England, in which he says, " I amnow very far from you all, and as often as Ilook round and view the Indian Scenery, Isigh to think of the distance that separatesus. Time, indeed, and reflection have, underGod, contributed to make the separation lesspainful ; yet still my thoughts recur withunceasing fondness, to former friendships, andmake the duty of intercession for you a happyprivilege. Day and night I do not cease topray for you ; and I am willing to hope thatyou too remember me at the throne of grace."On another occasion he observes, " In prayer,at the appointed hour, I felt solemnity ofmind,and an earnest desire, that the Lord wouldpour out a double portion of his spirit uponus his ministers in India ; that every one of
21us may be eminent in holiness and ministerial gifts."—i" Who hath believed our report, and towhom is the arm of the Lord revealed ?" Howawful does the thought sometimes appear tome, that almost the whole world are unitedagainst God and his Christ! O Lord, howlong will it be ere thou plead thine owncause, and make bare thine arm in the sightof the nations?"—"If there is one thing thatrefreshes my soul above all other things, it is,that I shall behold the Redeemer gloriouslytriumphant at the winding up of all things.O thou injured Sovereign, how long dost thoubear this ingratitude from wicked mankind !'*Memoik of the Rev. Henhy Martyn" The more religion advances in our hearts,the more time we shall be disposed to giveto intercession; which as it is the most disinterested and benevolent part of christianprayer, so it most likens us to our divine Master. The christian has sometimes found thepresence of God, and enjoyed that communion
22with him, in this part of his devotions, whicfche in vain sought for in confession, petition.or praise."Rev. . Bickersteth." In what an extraordinary attitude thechurch of Christ stands at this moment ! Shemay be well compared to a fleet of ships withall their sails set, only waiting for the windto fulfil their voyage. How many faithfulministers has God raised up in our land ; andnot in ours only, but in other Protestant states!What union and energy has he put into thehearts of his people, to associate for spreadingthe knowledge of his name ! There are Missionaries going forth into all parts, who remind us of those early christians who we :s" baptized for the dead"—that is, men whorise up in the place of departed Missionaries.Fornosooner have they fallen, like determinedsoldiers in the trenches of the enemy, thanothers have willingly offered themselves to fillup their ranks,These answers to earnestprayer have already been given; for it should
23be particularly borne in mind, that since theReligious Societies have been aided by theprayers of their associations, they have, inevery way, been much encreased.Whenstill greater earnestness is used, we may expect still greater blessings. When all " thetithes are brought into the storehouse," as theprophet Malachi says, " and the Lord isproved therewith,"—that is, when the offerings of prayer and thanksgiving are rendered to God by his people, in secret, in thefamily, in their social meetings, as well as intheir assemblies in public worship, then wemay hope that the promise will be fulfilled," Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse*" that there may be meat in my house, and" prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of" hosts, if I will not open you the windows" of heaven, and pour you out a blessing," that there shall not be room enough to" receive it."Rev. J. H. Stewart.
%*A Jem Prayersfrom approved Authorsare added to the other Examples in the following Collection,
SUNDAY.Let me pray for the revival ofpure Religion among all the Bishopsand Ministers of the Church of England. May they be endowed withknowledge and wisdom, courageand faithfulness, humility and holiness, zeal and love !—Let me prayfor the Clergy of our own neighbourhood in particular, and for theCongregations committed to theircharge. Let me also bear in remembrance all christian Pastors andTeachers, in this country, andthroughout the world, that theymay faithfully " set forth God's true
26" and lively word, and duly adini" nister his holy Sacraments."—Letme pray for all who are engaged inthe instruction of Sunday SchoolChildren, that they may watch withtender anxiety over the lambs ofChrist's flock. Let me ferventlyintercede " for the whole estate of" the church militant here on earth."May the Lord vouchsafe an " encrease of grace" to all who hear themessage of eternal life, " that they" may receive it with pure affection,*' and bring forth the fruits of the" Spirit !"Arise, O Lord, into thy rest ; thou and theark of thy strength. Let thy priests beclothed with righteousness; and let thy saintsshout for joy. Ps. cxxxii. 8, 9-
-21Save thy people, and bless thine infieritance : feed them also, and lift them up forever. Ps. xxviii. 9Let all those that seek thee rejoice and beglad in thee : let such as love thy salvation,say continually, The Lord be magnified.Ps. xl. 16.Then saith he nnto his disciples, the harvesttruly is plenteous, bat the labourers are few ;pray ye therefore the lord of the harvest, thathe will send forth labourers into his harvest.St. Matthew ix. 37, 38." Almighty and everlasting God, whoalone workest great marvels; send down upon our Bishops and Curates, and all congregations committed to their charge, the healthful spirit of thy grace, and that they maytruly please thee, pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. Grant this, OLord, for the honour of our Advocate andMediator, Jesus Christ. Amen.Prayer for the Clergy and People.
28" That it may please thee to illuminate allBishops, Priests, and Deacons, with trueknowledge and understanding of thy word,and that both by their preaching and livinglhey may set it forth, and shew it accordingly."Litany." O Lord Jesu Christ, who at thy firstcoming didst send thy messenger to preparethy way before thee; grant that the minister*and stewards of thy mysteries may likewiseso prepare and make ready thy way, byturning the hearts of the disobedient to thewisdom of the just, that at thy second comingto judge the world, we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest andreignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit."ever one God, world without end. Amen.Collect for the Third Sunday in AdvenL" O Almighty God, who by thy Son JesusChrist didst give to thy Apostle Saint Petermany excellent gifts, and commandedst himearnestly to feed thy flock; make, we beseech
thee, all Bishops and Pastors diligently topreach thy holy word, and the people obediently to follow the same, that they mayreceive the crown ofeverlasting glory, throughJesus Christ our Lord. Amen."Saint Peter's Day." Merciful Lord, we beseech thee to castthy bright beams of light upon thy church,that it being enlightened by the doctrine ofthy blessed Apostle and Evangelist SaintJohn, may so walk in the light of thy truth,that it may at length attain to the light ofeverlasting life, through Jesus Christ ourLord. Amen."Saint John the Evangelist's Day.
MONDAY.Let me pray for a general outpouring of the Holy Spirit's Influence at home and abroad :—for theconversion and restoration of theJews, and the ingathering of theGentile nations into the Church ofChrist: for the extension of pureand undefiled religion among theProtestant inhabitants of Europe,and for the speedy downfall ofPopery,Mohammedanism, and Superstitionof every kind.Let me pray also for the Directorsand Agents of our Bible and Missionary Societies, and of all other
32Societies established for the propagation of the Gospel, that it mayplease Almighty God " to enduethem with grace, wisdom, and understanding," and give abundantsuccess to their " labours of love.''—Let me be earnest in my supplications for our beloved brethren, theMissionaries. May they be strengthened, and encouraged amidst thepeculiar difficulties of their work .'May they possess the zeal, the patience, and undaunted courage ofSaint Paul, not counting their livesdear unto themselves, so that theymay finish their course with joy,and the ministry which they havereceived of the Lord Jesus !
33Ye that make mention of the Lord, keepnot silence; and give him no rest, till heestablish, and till he make Jerusalem a praisein the earth. Isaiah lxii. 6, 7.Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shallprosper that love thee. Ps. cxxii. 6.God be merciful unto us, and bless us; andcause his face to shine upon us. That thyway may be known upon earth, thy savinghealth among all nations. Let the peoplepraise thee, O God : let all the people praisethee. Ps. lxvii. 1, 2, 3.Have respect unto the covenant : for thedark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. Ps. Ixxiv. 20.Thy kingdom come, thy will be done inearth, as it is in heaven. St. Matthew vi. 1 0.Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wonderous things ; andblessed be his glorious name for ever: andlet the whole earth be filled with his glory.Amen and Amen. Ps. lxxii. 18, 19Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion :build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Ps. li, 18.
34O Lord, according to all thy righteousness,I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy furybe turned away from the city Jerusalem, thyholy mountain ; because for our sins, and forthe iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem andthy people are become a reproach to all thatare about us. Now therefore, O our God,hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine uponthy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord'ssake. O my God, incline thine ear, andhear ; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thyname: for we do not present our supplicationsbefore thee for our righteousness, but for thygreat mercies. O Lord, hear ; O Lord, forgive ; O Lord, hearken, and do ; defer not,for thine own sake, O my God, for thy cityand thy people are called by thy name.Daniel ix. 16— 19.Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts :look down from heaven, and behold, andvisit this vine ; and the vineyard which thyright hand hath planted, and the branch that
55thou madest strong for thyself.Ps. lxxx.14, 15.Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer toGod for Israel is, that they might be saved.Romans x. 1." O God, the Creator and Preserver of allmankind, we humbly beseech thee for allsorts and conditions of men ; that thouwouldest be pleased to make thy ways knownunto them, thy saving health unto all nations."Prayer for all conditions of men. ii , " O merciful God, who hast made all men,and hatest nothing that thou hast made, norwouldest the death of a sinner, but ratherthat he should be converted and live ; havemercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidels, andHereticks, and take from them all ignorance,hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word;and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, tothy flock, that they may be saved among theremnant of the true Israelites, and be madeone fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ,
36our Lord, who Hveth and reigneth with theeand the Holy Spirit, one God, world withoutend. Amen."Collect for Good Friday," Blesg, we beseech thee, O Lord, allSocieties which have been formed under thyprovidence, for extending thy kingdom :bless them with a very abundant measure ofthe influences of thy Holy Spirit. Give wisdom to their designs, and success to theirendeavours ; and dispose the hearts of thypeople to contribute liberally to their support.In all their exertions help them to put theirentire dependance upon Thee ; to rememberthat thou hast said, it is not by might, norby power, but by my Spirit. Hear us, OhGod of our salvation, for the sake of JesusChrist, our Mediator, and Advocate, Amen."
TUESDAY.Let me pray for the King, andthe Royal Family: for his Majesty'sPrivy Council, and for both Housesof Parliament, " that all things may" be so ordered and settled by their" endeavours, upon the best and" surest foundations, that peace and" happiness,truth andj ustice,religion" and piety, may be established" among us for all generations."Let me « entreat the Lord to imparthis grace to our Princes, and Nobles,that they may improve their greatness, wealth, and influence, to promote and adorn true religion.' Let
38me pray for the opulent families inmy own neighbourhood, that theymay become rich in good works,and heirs of Christ's eternal Kingdom. Let me further pray for ourpublic schools, and Universities, andall other Establishments for theEducation of youth.—Let my supplications ascend to God for thespiritual and temporal prosperity ofthe nation at large; for the completetriumph of the Protestant Religionin Ireland ; and for the present andeternal happiness of our Fellowsubjects in the East andWest Indies,and in other parts of the Globe.
39Give the King thy judgments, O God, andthy righteousness unto the King's son. Ps«lxxii. 1.I exhort therefore, that supplications,prayers,intercessions, and giving of thanks, be madefor all men ; for Kings, and for all that arein authority ; that we may lead a quiet andpeaceable life in all godliness and honesty.1 Tim. ii. 1, 2.And Samuel said, gather all Israel to Mizpeh, and I will pray for you unto the Lord.1 Sam. vii. 5.Moreover as for me, God forbid that Ishould sin against the Lord in ceasing to prayfor you. 1 Samuel xii. 23.*' Almighty and everlasting God, we aretaught by thy holy word, that the hearts ofKings are in thy rule, and governance, andthat thou dost dispose and turn them, as itseemeth best to thy godly wisdom ; we humbly beseech thee so to dispose and govern theheart of George, thy Servant, our King andgovernor, that in all his thoughts, words, and
40works, he may ever seek thy honour andglory
Intercessory Prayer-** THEPrayers ofthe meanestsaints may be useful to the greatest apostles, both with respect to their persons and the dis charge of their office. Hence it was usual withthe apostleSt. Paul todesirethe prayers ofthe churches to whomhe wrote. For in mutual prayer for each o
