of prayer? Do not irregular affections chain them down to the earth, when they ought to be in heaven?
Consider 3dly, what encouragement it ought to be to a Christian, when he goes to his prayers, to remember that he is presenting his petitions to "his Father:" and to such a Father, who has an incomparable love for his children; who encourages them to ask; who teaches them in this excellent prayer, what they are to ask for; who has frequently promised to grant them what they ask, provided it be good for them; and whose power, riches, bounty, and mercy, are all equally infinite. O! let this title of our Father, which we give to God in the Lord's prayer, raise our hopes in him; let it inflame our hearts with love for so amiable a Father; let it bespeak a reverential awe, a filial fear of offending such a parent, and an earnest desire of being ever a dutiful and obedient child.
Conclude ever to esteem and love this divine prayer; and daily to use it with a serious attention, and suitable devotion.
