Matthew Poole and continuators on Luke 18:1

1 ANd he spake a parable unto them, to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

This Duty of Praying always, is inculcated to us several times, in the Epistles as may appear from those Texts quoted in the Margint, which we must not interpret, as an Obligation upon us, to be always upon our Knees praying: for thus, our Obedience to it would be inconsistent with our Obedience to other Precepts of God relating both to Religious Duties and Civil Actions, neither was Christ himself always praying; but it either lets us know, that there is no time in which we may not pray, as we may pray in all places, every where lifting up pure Hands without doubting (as the Apostle saith) so we must pray at any time. Or, secondly, it is as much as pray frequently, and ordinarily, as Solomon's Servants are said by the Queen of Sheba, to stand always, that is, ordinarily, and frequently before him, 1 Kings 10.8. and the Jews are said always to have resisted the Spirit of God, Acts 7.51. That is, very often, for they did it not in every individual Act of their Lives, or else in every part of time: Knitting the Morning and Evening (the general parts of our time) together by prayer. Thus the Morning and Evening Sacrifice, is called the continual Burnt Offering, Exod. 29.42. Nehem. 10.33. Or as it is in Eph. 6, 18. [non-Latin text not transcribed]: In every Season, when ever the Providence of God offers us a fair Season and opportunity for Prayer. Or Mentally praying always, intermixing good and Pious Ejaculations, with our most Earthly, and Sublunary occasions; or, having our Hearts at all times ready, for Prayer, having the Fire always on the Altar (as was required under the Old Law) tho the Sacrifice be not always offering. And not fainting, which is the same with that, Eph. 6.18. Watching thereunto withal perseverance, and Col. 4.2. continue in Prayer, watching thereunto. Not fainting either by reason of Gods delay, to give us the things we ask of him; or through laziness, and remission of our Duty, before our Life doth determine. This is now what our Saviour designeth to teach us in this Parable, which followeth.

Marginal references: Chap. 21.36. Rom. 12.12. 1 Thess. 5.17.