Thoughts on public prayer - Miller - XI - Chapter 4 concluded

Required reading
Thoughts on public prayer by Samuel Miller (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 4.

My summary
Today Miller continues to warn us against some frequent faults in public prayer.

Last week we were advised to watch out for ten frequent faults. 

Now Miller continues the list and gives us another eight faults:
(xi) introducing a large portion of didactic statement;
(xii) introducing doctrines which are most offensive to the carnal heart;
(xiii) too great familiarity of language in addressing God;
(xiv) expressing unseasonable humility;
(xv) flattery;
(xvi) want of appropriateness;
(xvii) apparent want of reverence;
(xviii) rapidity and vehemence of utterance.

What grabbed me
Interesting to see a warning against bringing up 'offensive' doctrine in prayer: 'Another fault nearly allied to this is worthy of notice. I have known a few persons who were not only in the habit of introducing into their public prayers abundant didactic statement of doctrine ; but who also seemed studious of introducing, with much point, those doctrines which are most offensive to the carnal heart, and which seldom fail to be revolting to our impenitent hearers. We Presbyterians profess to preach a system of doctrine, some of the parts of which, especially those which recognize the absolute sovereignty of God in the dispensation of his grace, all unsanctified men of course hate, and which, whenever they are announced, excite uncomfortable feelings and opposition among the great mass of mankind. Still, we are bound to preach these doctrines, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear. These doctrines were preached by the inspired Apostles. They were offensive to a great majority of those to whom they were delivered, and it is so to the present hour. Yet, we are not to preach them continually, and to the exclusion of every thing else; but, as the Apostles did, in proper order, in proper connection, and in wise measure. To be fond of introducing them in prayer, argues a mind not cast in the apostolic mould, and inordinately set on partial views of truth. '

It takes a lot of wisdom to know which 'offensive' doctrines to avoid.  So much of what Christianity teaches is 'controversial'. 

For example, I have received negative feedback for confessing in public prayer that those present, including myself, are 'sinners'. 

Next week's reading       Commence Chapter 5 by reading up to the paragraph commencing ''VII. Another important feature of great excellence in public prayer, is a desirable degree of variety'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.