FAMILY PRAYERS.

FAMILY PRAYERS,

EXTRACTED CHIEFLY FROM THE MANUALS OF

BISHOP HAMILTON, AND THE REV. J. H. SWAINSON,

PREFACE.

I.

PRAYER, considered according to the number

of persons who engage in it, divides itself

Prayer of two kinds

individual,

into two kinds. It may be offered by one indi- and social. vidual, apart from others. It may be offered by several persons in common. These two kinds of Prayer may be made distinct subjects of thought and practical advice.

II.

Accordingly, we find in Holy Scripture dis

Counsels

and Promi

tinct counsel given upon each of these duties, ses of Holy and a distinct promise annexed to the performance of each.

Individual prayer,—that in which we represent to GOD the peculiar trials of which our own hearts are cognizant, and implore the graces corresponding to our peculiar needs,—is to be offered in the greatest privacy our circumstances admit of." Thou, when thou prayest, enter into

Scripture for either kind of

Prayer.

a