Application. In the choice of a state of life consult above all things, God and the salvation of your soul. Should you, after a mature deliberation, think that you to be called to the married state, prepare yourself for it by prayer, good works, and especially by a good General Confession, and be careful not to follow those who, by sin and vice draw the curse of God upon their heads.
CHAPTER III.
Prayer.
§ 1. Prayer in General.
1. What is Prayer?
Prayer is the raising up of our minds and hearts to God, either to praise Him, or to thank Him, or to beg His grace; and therefore it is divided into Prayer of Praise, Prayer of Thanksgiving, and Prayer of Petition.
2. What does 'to praise God' mean?
To praise God means to rejoice at His infinite Perfections, and to glorify and adore Him on that account (Ps. ix. 3).
Examples: David in his Psalms; the three children in the fiery furnace (Dan. iii.); the Blessed Virgin (Luke 1, 46, etc.)
3. Are we bound to praise God?
Yes, we are; for this we were created, and this will one day be our eternal occupation in Heaven (Apoc. iv.).
'My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy name for ever, yea for ever and ever' (Ps. cxliv. 21). 'Be ye filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord' (Eph. v. 18, 19).
4. Must we also 'thank' God for His gifts?
Yes; for ingratitude is a detestable vice, whereas gratitude is the best means to obtain new benefits.
'In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus' (1 Thess. v. 18).
