"Sincere friendship towards God, in all who believe him to be properly an intelligent, willing being, does most apparently, directly, and strongly incline to prayer; and it no less disposes the heart strongly to desire to have our infinitely glorious"

This quote by Jonathan Edwards explores the intrinsic connection in between genuine relationship with God and the practice of prayer. Edwards starts by asserting that real relationship with God is rooted in the belief of God as an intelligent and prepared being. This viewpoint is fundamental, as it shapes how one communicates with the divine. Acknowledging God as intelligent affirms that He is aware, purposeful, and efficient in meaningful interaction, while seeing Him as ready suggests that He is open to engage with His creations.

As a result, those who genuinely think in and understand these characteristics of God are naturally inclined to pray. Prayer, in this context, is not merely a spiritual responsibility but a deeply personal and genuine expression of one's relationship with God. It becomes a natural outflow of this relationship, similar to how communication is an essential component of any meaningful human relationship. Edwards stresses that a sincere friendship with God "most apparently, directly, and highly" inclines one towards prayer, suggesting that it is an obvious and effective inclination. When we care deeply about someone, it follows that we would want to interact with them routinely.

Furthermore, Edwards shows that this friendship likewise causes a profound desire to experience the boundless magnificence of God. This desire is heartfelt and strong, recommending that real relationship with God doesn't result in complacency but rather to a yearning for a much deeper experience and understanding of the divine. This yearning is not just an intellectual pursuit but an emotional and spiritual one that originates from a genuine appreciation of God's boundless nature.

In summary, Edwards presumes that genuine relationship with God transforms prayer from a regular ritual into a vibrant, jubilant interaction and stimulates a deep longing for God's presence and splendor. This vibrant relationship is at the heart of spiritual life and reflects a genuine commitment to understanding and experiencing God completely.