The Communicant's Companion
and the answer of the tongue is from the Lord." To him, therefore, we must apply ourselves for both. The whole word of God is of use to direct us in these prayers, and in it the blessed Spirit "helpeth our infirmities, forasmuch as we know not what to pray for," in this or in any other case, as we ought.
1. We must pray that we may be prepared for this solemnity before it comes. Whatever is necessary to qualify us for communion with God in it, is spoken of in Scripture as God's gift; and whatever is the matter of God's promise, must be the matter of our prayers; for promises are given, not only to be the ground of our hope, but also to be the guide of our desire in prayer." Is knowledge necessary? "Out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding," and at wisdom's gates we must wait for wisdom's gifts, rejoicing herein "that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding." Is faith necessary? That is not "of ourselves, it is the gift of God." Him, therefore, we must attend, who is both the author and the finisher of our faith. To him we must pray, Lord, increase our faith: Lord, perfect what is lacking in it: Lord, fulfil the work of faith with power. Is love necessary? It is the "Holy Ghost that sheds abroad that love in our hearts, and circumcises our hearts to love the Lord our God." To that heavenly fire we must therefore go for this holy spark, and pray for the breath of the Almighty to blow it up into a flame. Is repentance necessary?
It is God that gives repentance, that takes away the stony heart and gives a heart of flesh; and we must beg of him to work that blessed change in us.
"Behold the fire and the wood," the ordinance instituted, and all needful provision made for our sacrifice; "but where is the lamb for a burntoffering?" Where is the heart to be offered up to God? If God did not provide himself a lamb, the solemnity would fail. To him, therefore, we must go to buy such things as we have need of against the feast, that is, to