Praying always with all prayer and supplication in
the
spirit
The last weapon is prayer, and takes in all sorts of prayer,
mental and vocal, public and private; and every branch of it, as
deprecation of evils, petitions for good things, and thanksgiving
for mercies: and which should be used always: this stands opposed
to such who pray not at all, or who have prayed, but have left it
off; or who pray only in distress, and it suggests, that a man
should pray as often as he has an opportunity; and particularly,
that he should make use of it in times of darkness, desertion,
and temptation: and this, when performed aright, is performed "in
the Spirit"; with the heart, soul, and spirit engaged in it; it
is put up with a true heart, and a right spirit, and without
hypocrisy; in a spiritual way, and with fervency, and under the
influence, and by the assistance of the Spirit of God.
And watching thereunto;
either to the word, as a direction for prayer, or to prayer
itself; for opportunities to pray for the assistance of the
Spirit in prayer, for an answer of it, and to return thanks for
blessings when bestowed; and against all dependence on it, and
against Satan's temptations, and our own corruptions with respect
to it:
with all perseverance;
in it, notwithstanding what Satan and an unbelieving heart may
suggest to the contrary:
and supplication for all saints;
of every nation, age, sex, and condition, in all places, and of
every denomination. So Christ taught his disciples to pray,
saying, our Father, suggesting, that they were not only to pray
for themselves, but for all the children of God.