Chapter 7: Conclusion

Of the conclusion of our prayers.

WE are commanded to pray always, to pray without ceasing, to continue in prayer, because we must always have in us a disposition to the duty, must be constant to it, and never grow weary of it, or throw it up; and yet we cannot be always praying, we must come down from this mount ; nor may we be over long, so as to make the duty a task or a toil to ourselves, or those that join with us. We have other work that calls our attendance. Jacob wrestles with the angel; but he must go, for the day breaks. We must therefore think of concluding. The prayers of David the son of Jesse must be ended. But how shall we conclude, so as to have the impressions of the duty kept always in the imagination of the thought of our hearts

The heads

• 1. We may then sum up our requests in some comprehensive petitions, as the conclusion of the whole matter.
• 2. We may then beg for the audience and acceptance of our poor weak prayers for Christ’s sake.
• 3. We may then beg for the forgiveness of what has been amiss in our prayers.
• 4. We may then recommend ourselves to the conduct, protection, and government of the divine grace, in the further services that lie before us, and in the whole course of our conversation.
• 5. We may conclude all with doxologies, or solemn praises of God, ascribing honour and glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and sending up all our praises and prayers with an affectionate Amen.
• 6. It is very proper to sum up our prayers in that form of prayer which Christ taught his disciples.

Henry’s text is in the public domain. Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of Publication, No. 265 Chestnut Street. Undated, about 1840 to 1860. The preface is dated Chester, March 25, 1710. From the Internet Archive scan. The KJV text is in the public domain.