J.I. Packer

In real praying, head, heart and hands go together. “I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also,” says Paul (1 Cor 14:15)

they ought always to pray and not lose heart” (Lk 18:1)

“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication”—that is, all appropriate forms of prayer in each situation (Eph 6:18). “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). “Pray without ceasing”—in other words, keep on praying (1 Thess 5:17). When Jesus’ disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk 11:1),

that is, using the prayer not just as a formula but as a pattern.

prayer is primarily duty.

God will sanctify our efforts and delight will come upon us.

Lord, teach us how to pray aright,
With reverence and with fear;
Though dust and ashes in thy sight,
We may, we must draw near.
We perish if we cease from prayer;
O, grant us power to pray!
And when we meet thee we prepare,
Lord, meet us by the way.
JAMES MONTGOMERY (1771-1854)