Section navigation

Ejaculatory Prayers

Author
Category Articles
Date September 5, 2008

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):

Notes

Note: Memoirs of Thomas Boston is currently of out print.

Latest Articles

Pitfalls in Preaching: A Letter on Application September 30, 2026

The following letter was published in the December 2025 issue of the Banner Magazine. It is published here at the request of a reader who found it helpful, in the hope that its counsel might be blessed to others also. You can also listen to a reading of this letter on the Banner Podcast. Dear […]

The God Who Makes Bitter Things Sweet July 31, 2026

The Israelites had just walked between the walls of the water of the Red Sea and watched as the Lord washed away the whole Egyptian army. They sang a song of triumph on the far shore of the sea, rejoicing in the fear that had fallen on the surrounding nations (Ex. 15:14-16) and looking forward […]