Matthew Henry’s “Method For Prayer”

Introduction and Comprehensive Petitions

Conclusion 6.0 | ESV

Of the Conclusion of our Prayers

I am commanded to pray always, Luke 21:36(ESV) to pray continually, 1 Thessalonians 5:17(ESV) to devote myself to prayer, Colossians 4:2(ESV) because I must always have in myself a disposition to the duty, must be constant in it, and never grow weary of it or give it up; and yet, I cannot be always praying, I must come down from this mount. Nor may I be over long, so as to make the duty a task or toil to myself or those who join with me. I have other work that calls for my attendance. Jacob wrestles with the angel, but he must go for the day breaks. Genesis 32:24(ESV) I must therefore think of concluding. The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, must be ended. Psalm 72:20(ESV) But how shall I conclude so as to have the impressions of the duty kept always in the imagination of the thought of my heart?

We may then sum up our requests in some comprehensive petitions, as the conclusion of the whole matter.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead the Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip me with everything good that I may do his will, working in me that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 13:20-21(ESV)

Now may the Lord direct my heart to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:5(ESV)

And the God of all grace, who has called me to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after I have suffered a little while, restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish me. 1 Peter 5:10(ESV)

And now, O Lord, what do I wait for? Truly my hope is in you; Psalm 39:7(ESV) and on you do I depend to be to me God Almighty, a God all-sufficient. Genesis 17:1(ESV)

Do for me far more abundantly than all that I am able to ask or think, according to the power at work within me: Ephesians 3:20(ESV) and supply all my needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(ESV)

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