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Prayer is the natural duty of religion. Its observance is as natural as conversation between men. The Scriptures urge a constant and careful performance, then, not only as a duty, but a privilege. The subject suggests an inquiry as to —

I. THE MATTER AND SUBJECT OF PRAYER.

1. Generally, it is to petition God to bestow upon us all that is good, and to deliver us from all that is evil: the pursuit of virtue, the direction of our affairs, immortal happiness.

2. Particularly, our own individual requirements, according to our particular weaknesses and difficulties, should form the groundwork of our petitions.

II. THE SPECIFIC DIRECTIONS OF THE APOSTLE — "Continuing instant." We are not to make it a mere formal duty. It is to be the constant effort and breath of our very existence. We are hereby taught —

1. That worldly duties are not inconsistent with heavenly thoughts.

2. That God may be worshipped at all times.

3. That religion is not a thing to be put off till we have leisure and opportunity.

III. THE CONTRAST WHICH THIS DIRECTION AFFORDS TO ALL FALSE SYSTEMS. We are taught that God is worshipped by the mind and thoughts, and not by external observances. How different to heathen worship! Even the Jews' religion was, to a great extent, formal.

(J. Jortin, D.D.)

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KJV: Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

WEB: rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;