Prayer consists not in complimenting Deity, as the manner of some is. They tell him what he is and is not—what they have been, are, and should be—and where they would be, if God had dealt justly with them! (as though he were unjust), and many such vain repetitions. Now, such praying as this is unreasonable and unscriptural, and of course useless, if not sinful. God requires no such round-about palavering, when we come to the throne of his grace. He tells us to come with boldness by Jesus Christ, and we shall obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. All we need to do is, in humility, faith, and fervor, to make our simple request to God, or ask him for just such things as we need, and our desire will be granted. The Lord has given us the most perfect model, in what is called the Lord’s prayer. Therefore when ye pray try and imitate it. It is just as necessary to pray with the spirit and understanding, as it is to be baptized, talk, sing, preach, think, feel and live according to the word of the Lord.