Ejaculatory Prayers

I shall speak a word on ejaculatory prayers [uttered suddenly]:

1. It has been the practice of the saints. Thus Jacob, when making his testament, says, ‘I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord’ (Gen. 49:18), and when giving charge to his sons concerning Benjamin, ‘God Almighty give you mercy before the man’ (Gen. 43:14). Moses, when brought into a great strait at the approach of the Egyptians, ‘The Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward’ (Exod. 14:15). David, when told of Ahithophel’s being among the conspirators with Absalom, says, ‘O Lord, I pray Thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness’ (2 Sam. 15:31). And Nehemiah, when in the king’s presence, and asked by him his request, says, ‘I prayed to the God of heaven’ (Neh. 2:4).

2. Such prayers are very necessary. Light and strength for duty, against temptation, etc., are often needed, when we cannot get to our knees.

3. They are very useful for present help, and are notable means to keep the soul habitually heavenly and in a proper frame, when we make more solemn approaches to God.

4. It is no small mercy that God’s door stands always open, and that our prayers may be at heaven, before we can be at a secret place.

The Trust publishes the following works by Boston (1677-1732):