Sabbath Afternoon, May 9
Memory Text:
“你们众民当时时倚靠他；你们要在他面前倾心吐意。神是我们的避难所。（细拉）”——诗篇 62:8（和合本）
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” KJV — Psalm 62:8
祷告是向神敞开心扉，如同向朋友倾诉。信心的眼睛会发现神就在身边，祈求者也能获得神爱他、眷顾他的宝贵证据。但为什么这么多的祷告从未得到回应呢？大卫说：“我曾用口呼求他，用舌头颂扬他。我若心里注重罪孽，主必不听我。”主借着另一位先知应许我们：“你们寻求我，若专心寻求我，就必寻见我。”祂又提到有些人“没有用心向我呼求”。这样的祈求只是形式上的，徒有其表，主并不悦纳。（《证言四书》533.3）
拿但业在无花果树下所献的祷告，是出于一颗真诚的心，主垂听并应允了他。基督论到他时说：“看哪，这真是个以色列人，他心里没有诡诈！”主洞察人心，明白他们的动机和目的。“正直人的祷告，是祂所喜悦的。”祂必垂听那些向祂敞开心扉、不自高自大，而是真切感受到自己极大的软弱和不配的人。（4T 534.1）
我们需要祷告——极其恳切、热切、痛苦的祷告——就像大卫那样呼喊道：‘神啊，我的心切慕你，如鹿切慕溪水。’‘我切慕你的训词；’‘我切慕你的救恩。’‘我的心切慕耶和华的院宇，甚至渴想得发昏；我的心肠、我的肉体呼求永生神。’‘我的心因切慕你的判语而破碎。’这就是那位君王诗人所拥有的那种竭力祷告的精神。”（4T 534.2）
“Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. The eye of faith will discern God very near, and the suppliant may obtain precious evidence of the divine love and care for him. But why is it that so many prayers are never answered? Says David: “I cried unto Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” By another prophet the Lord gives us the promise: “Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Again, he speaks of some who “have not cried unto Me with their heart.” Such petitions are prayers of form, lip service only, which the Lord does not accept. 4T 533.3
“The prayer which Nathanael offered while he was under the fig tree came from a sincere heart, and it was heard and answered by the Master. Christ said of him: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” The Lord reads the hearts of all and understands their motives and purposes. “The prayer of the upright is His delight.” He will not be slow to hear those who open their hearts to Him, not exalting self, but sincerely feeling their great weakness and unworthiness. 4T 534.1
“There is need of prayer,—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer,—such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” “I have longed after Thy precepts;” “I have longed for Thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments.” This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by the royal psalmist.” 4T 534.2
5月10日，星期日
以利亚：危机中的祷告
阅读列王纪上19:1-18，特别留意以利亚的祷告以及上帝与他的互动。以利亚此时沮丧的根源是什么？上帝的回应与迦密山上发生的事情有何不同？
Read 1 Kings 19:1–18, specifically noting Elijah’s prayers and God’s interaction with him. What is at the heart of Elijah’s dejection here? How is God’s response different from what happened at Mount Carmel?
随着巴力先知的殉道，一场意义深远的属灵改革之路就此开启。天上的审判已经执行；百姓已经认罪悔改，承认他们祖先的神。如今，咒诅即将解除，大地将迎来甘霖。“起来，吃喝吧，”以利亚对亚哈说，“因为有大雨的声音。”于是，先知上山顶去祷告。”（诗篇 82.1）
“在耶斯列城门口，以利亚和亚哈分开了。先知以利亚选择留在城墙外，用外衣裹住自己，躺在地上睡觉。国王很快回到宫殿，向妻子讲述了当天发生的事情。当亚哈讲述那些拜偶像的先知被杀时，顽固不化的耶洗别勃然大怒。她拒绝承认上帝的旨意，仍然桀骜不驯，大胆地宣称以利亚应该死。”（诗篇 84.1）
“当晚，有人叫醒了疲惫的先知以利亚，传达了耶洗别的话：‘如果明天这个时候我没能使你的性命像那些先知一样，愿神明重重地惩罚我！’”（诗篇 84.2）
似乎以利亚在展现出如此无畏的勇气，并彻底战胜君王、祭司和百姓之后，绝不会再感到沮丧或畏缩。然而，在这黑暗的时刻，他的信心和勇气却离他而去。他惊醒过来，茫然不知所措。大雨倾盆而下，四周一片漆黑。他忘记了三年前上帝曾指引他前往避难所，如今却为了保命而逃亡。”（SS 84.3）
“于是，‘王勃然大怒，下令除掉巴比伦所有的智者。’”（PK 493.1）
“以利亚不该逃跑。他本该向委派他的那位求助，以回应耶洗别的威胁。他本该告诉使者，他所信靠的神必会保护他免受王后的仇恨。如果他以神为避难所和力量，他必能免受伤害。耶和华必降下祂的审判惩罚耶洗别，这给君王和百姓留下的深刻印象必会带来巨大的改革。SS 84.4
“以利亚曾盼望，迦密山的神迹之后，耶洗别对亚哈的影响力将不复存在，以色列全境也将迅速迎来改革。他在迦密山上整日劳作，没有进食。然而，当他引导亚哈的战车前往耶斯列时，尽管身体疲惫，他依然勇气十足。但高昂的信心和辉煌的成功之后，往往会伴随着一些反作用。以利亚担心这开始的改革可能无法持久，于是他陷入了沮丧之中。在这灰心丧气的时刻，耶洗别的威胁在他耳边回响，撒旦似乎仍然得势，他失去了对神的信心。”（诗篇85.1）
“以利亚忘记了上帝，一路逃亡，直到他发现自己身处一片荒凉的旷野，孤身一人。他筋疲力尽，便在一棵杜松树下坐下休息，祈求上帝让他死去：“够了！耶和华啊，现在求你取走我的性命吧！因为我并不比我的列祖强。”他因极度的失望而心灰意冷，再也不愿见到人间。最终，他精疲力竭，沉沉睡去。SS 85.2
“每个人都会经历极度失望和沮丧的时刻——在那些日子里，我们很难相信上帝依然仁慈；在那些日子里，苦难缠身，甚至觉得死亡比生命更可取。那时，许多人失去了对上帝的信心，陷入了怀疑和不信的奴役之中。如果我们能在这样的时刻领悟上帝旨意的意义，我们就会看到天使们正努力将我们从自我毁灭中拯救出来，竭力使我们的脚步稳固，新的信仰，新的生命，就会由此而生。” SS 85.3
“With the slaying of the prophets of Baal, the way was opened for carrying forward a mighty spiritual reformation. The judgments of Heaven had been executed; the people had confessed their sins and acknowledged the God of their fathers. Now the curse was to be withdrawn, and the land was to be refreshed with rain. “Get thee up, eat and drink,” Elijah said to Ahab, “for there is a sound of abundance of rain.” Then the prophet went to the top of the mount to pray.” SS 82.1
“At the gate of Jezreel, Elijah and Ahab separated. The prophet, choosing to remain outside the walls, wrapped himself in his mantle and lay down on the bare earth to sleep. The king soon reached the shelter of his palace and related to his wife the events of the day. As Ahab told of the slaying of the idolatrous prophets, Jezebel, hardened and impenitent, became infuriated. She refused to recognize the overruling providence of God, and still defiant, boldly declared that Elijah should die. SS 84.1
“That night a messenger aroused the weary prophet and delivered the word of Jezebel: “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” SS 84.2
It would seem that after showing courage so undaunted, and after triumphing so completely over king and priests and people, Elijah could never afterward have given way to despondency nor been awed into timidity. But in this dark hour his faith and courage forsook him. Bewildered, he started from his slumber. The rain was pouring from the heavens, and darkness was on every side. Forgetting that three years before, God had directed his course to a place of refuge, the prophet now fled for his life.” SS 84.3
“Then “the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.” PK 493.1
“Elijah should not have fled. He should have met the threat of Jezebel with an appeal for protection to the One who had commissioned him. He should have told the messenger that the God in whom he trusted would protect him against the hatred of the queen. Had he made God his refuge and strength, he would have been shielded from harm. The Lord would have sent His judgments on Jezebel, and the impression made on king and people would have wrought a great reformation. SS 84.4
“Elijah had hoped that after the miracle on Carmel Jezebel would no longer have influence over Ahab and that there would be a speedy reform throughout all Israel. All day on Carmel he had toiled without food. Yet when he guided the chariot of Ahab to Jezreel, his courage was strong despite the physical strain. But a reaction frequently follows high faith and glorious success. Elijah feared that the reformation begun might not be lasting, and depression seized him. In this time of discouragement, with Jezebel’s threat sounding in his ears and Satan still apparently prevailing, he lost his hold on God.” SS 85.1
“Forgetting God, Elijah fled on and on, until he found himself in a dreary waste, alone. Utterly wearied, he sat down to rest under a juniper tree, and requested that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.” His spirit crushed by bitter disappointment, he desired never again to look on the face of man. At last, exhausted, he fell asleep. SS 85.2
“To all there come times of keen disappointment and discouragement—days when it is hard to believe that God is still kind, days when troubles harass till death seems preferable to life. Then many lose their hold on God and are brought into the slavery of doubt and unbelief. Could we at such times discern the meaning of God’s providences, we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet on a firm foundation, and new faith, new life, would spring into being.” SS 85.3
5月11日，星期一
祷告似乎没有得到回应
也许你已经为某件事祷告了很久，甚至几年，却感觉上帝似乎没有听到你的祷告。圣经告诉我们，“祈求，就必得着”（太7:7），“如果我们照他的旨意求什么”（约一5:14）。你如何理解这些应许呢？
在某些医治的例子中，耶稣并没有立即赐予所求的祝福。但在麻风病的例子中，祈求一出，就应允了。当我们祈求世俗的祝福时，祷告的回应可能会延迟，或者神可能会赐给我们一些与我们所求不同的东西，但当我们祈求脱离罪恶时，情况并非如此。祂的旨意是洁净我们的罪，使我们成为祂的儿女，并使我们能够过圣洁的生活。基督“为我们的罪舍己，要救我们脱离这罪恶的世代，正如我们父神的旨意。”（加拉太书 1:4）“我们若照祂的旨意求什么，祂就听我们，这是我们向祂所存的坦然无惧的心。我们既然知道祂听我们一切所求的，就知道我们所求于祂的，无不得着。”约翰一书 5:14-15。“我们若认自己的罪，神是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗净我们一切的不义。”约翰一书 1:9。DA 266.2
哈拿的祷告无人听见，却蒙万军之耶和华垂听。她恳切祈求上帝除去她的羞辱，赐予她那个时代妇女最珍视的恩惠——为人母的祝福。她祷告时声音微弱，嘴唇翕动，面容流露出深深的悲痛。然而，这位谦卑的祈求者又将面临新的考验。大祭司以利的目光落在她身上，便断定她喝醉了。在以色列人中，宴乐狂欢几乎取代了真正的敬虔。放纵之事屡见不鲜，甚至妇女也难逃此劫。如今，以利决定对她施以他认为应得的责备。“你醉到几时呢？快把酒从你身边拿去吧！”（《圣经》1881年10月27日，第9段）
“汉娜在祷告中许愿，如果她的请求得到应允，她将把自己的孩子奉献给上帝。她把这个誓言告诉了丈夫，丈夫在离开示罗之前，以庄严的敬拜仪式确认了她的誓言。”（《圣经研究》，1881年10月27日，第11段）
Perhaps you’ve prayed about something for a long time, maybe even years, and it feels as if God hasn’t heard your prayers. The Bible tells us to “ask, and it shall be given you” (Matt. 7:7), “if we ask anything according to His will” (1 John 5:14, NKJV). What is your understanding of these promises?
“In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ “gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.” Galatians 1:4. And “this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.” 1 John 5:14, 15. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.” DA 266.2
Hannah’s prayer was unheard by mortal ear, but entered the ear of the Lord of hosts. Earnestly she pleaded that God would take away her reproach, and grant her the boon most highly prized by women of that age,—the blessing of motherhood. As she wrestled in prayer, her voice uttered no sound, but her lips moved and her countenance gave evidence of deep emotion. And now another trial awaited the humble suppliant. As the eye of Eli the high priest fell upon her, he hastily decided that she was intoxicated. Feasting revelry had well-nigh supplanted true godliness among the people of Israel. Instances of intemperance, even among women, were of frequent occurrence, and now Eli determined to administer what he considered a deserved rebuke. ‘How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away thy wine from thee.’” ST October 27, 1881, par. 9
“In her prayer, Hannah had made a vow that if her request were granted, she would dedicate her child to the service of God. This vow she made known to her husband, and he confirmed it in a solemn act of worship, before leaving Shiloh.” ST October 27, 1881, par. 11
5月12日，星期二
耶稣教导我们如何祷告
“耶稣教导我们称祂的父为我们的父。祂不以称我们为弟兄为耻。（希伯来书2:11）救主如此渴望接纳我们成为神家中的成员，以至于在我们亲近神时，祂在我们祷告的第一句话中就明确地表达了我们与神的关系——‘我们在天上的父’。”（MB 103.3）
“尊崇耶和华的名，要求我们以敬畏之心说出至高者的名。“祂的名是圣洁可畏的。”（诗篇111:9）我们绝不可轻视神明的称号或尊名。在祷告中，我们进入至高者的殿堂；我们应当怀着敬畏之心来到祂面前。天使在祂面前都蒙着面纱。基路伯和光明圣洁的撒拉弗都以庄严的敬畏之心来到祂的宝座前。我们这些有限的、有罪的受造物，岂不更应当以敬畏之心来到我们的创造主——耶和华面前吗？”（MB 106.2）
“上帝是我们的父，祂爱我们，眷顾我们，视我们为祂的儿女；祂也是宇宙的伟大君王。祂国度的利益就是我们的利益，我们应当努力建立祂的国度。”（《圣经·训诲录》107.2）
“上帝的旨意体现在祂圣洁律法的诫命中，而这律法的原则就是天国的原则。天上的天使所能获得的最高知识莫过于明白上帝的旨意，遵行祂的旨意就是他们所能发挥的最高职分。”（《圣经·训诲录》109.1）
耶稣教导我们的祷告的前半部分是关于神的名、国度和旨意的——愿祂的名得荣耀，祂的国建立，祂的旨意成就。当你将服侍神放在首位时，你就可以满怀信心地祈求祂供应你自身的需要。如果你舍弃自我，将自己献给基督，你就是神家中的一员，天父家中的一切都属于你。神的一切宝藏都向你敞开，包括今世和来世。天使的服事、圣灵的恩赐、仆人的劳苦——这一切都属于你。世界及其中的一切都属于你，只要它能对你有益。甚至恶人的仇恨也会成为一种祝福，因为它磨练你，使你进入天国。“你们若属基督，万物都是你们的。”（哥林多前书 3:23, 21）
耶稣教导我们，只有当我们饶恕他人时，才能得到神的饶恕。是神的爱吸引我们归向祂，而这份爱若不让我们爱弟兄姐妹，就无法触动我们的心。”（《圣经注释》113.2）
试探是引诱我们犯罪，这并非出于神，而是出于撒旦和我们内心的邪恶。“神不能被恶试探，祂自己也不试探人。”（雅各书 1:13，修订版）（《圣经注释》116.2）
“如同主祷文的第一句一样，最后一句也指向我们的父，祂超越一切权柄、能力和一切名号。救主预见到祂门徒面前的岁月，并非如他们所梦想的那样，沐浴在世俗繁荣和荣耀的阳光下，而是笼罩在人类仇恨和撒旦愤怒的风暴之中。在国家纷争和毁灭之中，门徒的脚步充满危险，他们的心也常常被恐惧所压垮……然而，基督的追随者不必担心他们的希望已经破灭，也不必担心上帝已经离弃了这世界。权柄和荣耀都属于祂，祂伟大的旨意仍将继续顺利地实现。在表达他们每日所需之祷告中，基督的门徒被引导要仰望一切邪恶的权势和统治，仰望他们的上帝——祂的国度统治万有，祂是他们的父，是他们永恒的朋友。”（MB 120.1）
“Jesus teaches us to call His Father our Father. He is not ashamed to call us brethren. Hebrews 2:11. So ready, so eager, is the Saviour's heart to welcome us as members of the family of God, that in the very first words we are to use in approaching God He places the assurance of our divine relationship, ‘Our Father.’” MB 103.3
“To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words in which we speak of the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence. “Holy and reverend is His name.” Psalm 111:9. We are never in any manner to treat lightly the titles or appellations of the Deity. In prayer we enter the audience chamber of the Most High; and we should come before Him with holy awe. The angels veil their faces in His presence. The cherubim and the bright and holy seraphim approach His throne with solemn reverence. How much more should we, finite, sinful beings, come in a reverent manner before the Lord, our Maker!” MB 106.2
“God is our Father, who loves and cares for us as His children; He is also the great King of the universe. The interests of His kingdom are our interests, and we are to work for its upbuilding.” MB 107.2
“The will of God is expressed in the precepts of His holy law, and the principles of this law are the principles of heaven. The angels of heaven attain unto no higher knowledge than to know the will of God, and to do His will is the highest service that can engage their powers.” MB 109.1
“The first half of the prayer Jesus has taught us is in regard to the name and kingdom and will of God—that His name may be honored, His kingdom established, His will performed. When you have thus made God's service your first interest, you may ask with confidence that your own needs may be supplied. If you have renounced self and given yourself to Christ you are a member of the family of God, and everything in the Father's house is for you. All the treasures of God are opened to you, both the world that now is and that which is to come. The ministry of angels, the gift of His Spirit, the labors of His servants—all are for you. The world, with everything in it, is yours so far as it can do you good. Even the enmity of the wicked will prove a blessing by disciplining you for heaven. If “ye are Christ's,” “all things are yours.” 1 Corinthians 3:23, 21.” MB 110.2
“Jesus teaches that we can receive forgiveness from God only as we forgive others. It is the love of God that draws us unto Him, and that love cannot touch our hearts without creating love for our brethren.” MB 113.2
“Temptation is enticement to sin, and this does not proceed from God, but from Satan and from the evil of our own hearts. “God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempteth no man.” James 1:13 , R.V.” MB 116.2
“The last like the first sentence of the Lord's Prayer, points to our Father as above all power and authority and every name that is named. The Saviour beheld the years that stretched out before His disciples, not, as they had dreamed, lying in the sunshine of worldly prosperity and honor, but dark with the tempests of human hatred and satanic wrath. Amid national strife and ruin, the steps of the disciples would be beset with perils, and often their hearts would be oppressed by fear…Yet Christ's followers were not to fear that their hope was lost or that God had forsaken the earth. The power and the glory belong unto Him whose great purposes would still move on unthwarted toward their consummation. In the prayer that breathes their daily wants, the disciples of Christ were directed to look above all the power and dominion of evil, unto the Lord their God, whose kingdom ruleth over all and who is their Father and everlasting Friend.” MB 120.1
5月13日，星期三
赞美、认罪、祈求、感恩
阅读但以理书9:4-19中但以理的祷告，并找出他祷告的不同部分。
Read Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9:4–19 and look for different parts of his prayer.
“我面向主神，禁食、披麻蒙灰，祷告恳求寻求他。我向主我的神祷告，认罪悔改。”（但以理书9:3-4）TMK 271.1
“但以理祷告和认罪的榜样是为了教导和鼓励我们……但以理知道以色列被掳的期限即将结束，但他并不认为因为上帝应许要拯救他们，他们自己就可以置身事外。他禁食悔改，寻求主，认自己的罪和百姓的罪……TMK 271.2
但以理并非以自己的良善为由恳求，而是说：“我的神啊，求你侧耳而听，睁眼而看，垂顾我们的荒凉，和这称为你名下的城。我们向你祈求，并非为我们的义，乃是为你的大怜悯。”（但以理书 9:18）他恳切的祈求使他热切而热忱。他继续说道：“耶和华啊，求你垂听；耶和华啊，求你赦免；耶和华啊，求你应允而行；我的神啊，求你为自己的缘故不要迟延，因为你的城和你的民都称为你的名下。”……TMK 271.3
“但以理的祷告是何等奇妙！这祷告展现了他何等谦卑的心！从他向神发出的祷告中，我们能感受到天火的温暖。天回应了他的祷告，差遣使者来到但以理面前。在我们今天，以同样的方式向神祷告，也必蒙神悦纳。“义人祈祷所发的力量是大有功效的”（雅各书 5:16）。正如古代，当人们祷告时，天火从天而降，焚烧祭坛上的祭物；同样，当我们祷告时，天火也会进入我们的灵魂。圣灵的光和能力将属于我们……那垂听但以理祷告的神，也必垂听我们悔改的祷告。我们的需要同样迫切，我们的困难同样巨大，我们需要同样坚定的决心，凭着信心将我们的重担卸给那位伟大的担当者。我们这个时代的人，也需要像但以理祷告的时代那样，内心被深深触动。” TMK 271.4
“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession. Daniel 9:3, 4. TMK 271.1
“Daniel’s example of prayer and confession is given for our instruction and encouragement.... Daniel knew that the appointed time for Israel’s captivity was nearly ended, but he did not feel that because God had promised to deliver them, they themselves had no part to act. With fasting and contrition he sought the Lord, confessing his own sins and the sins of the people.... TMK 271.2
“Daniel makes no plea on the ground of his own goodness, but he says: “O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies” (Daniel 9:18). His intensity of desire makes him earnest and fervent. He continues: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” ... TMK 271.3
“What a prayer was that which came forth from the lips of Daniel! What humbling of soul it reveals! The warmth of heavenly fire was recognized in the words that were going upward to God. Heaven responded to that prayer by sending its messenger to Daniel. In this our day, prayers offered in like manner will prevail with God. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). As in ancient times, when prayer was offered, fire descended from heaven and consumed the sacrifice upon the altar, so in answer to our prayers, the heavenly fire will come into our souls. The light and power of the Holy Spirit will be ours.... That God who heard Daniel’s prayer will hear ours when we come to Him in contrition. Our necessities are as urgent, our difficulties are as great, and we need to have the same intensity of purpose, and in faith roll our burden upon the great Burden Bearer. There is need for hearts to be as deeply moved in our time as in the time when Daniel prayed.” TMK 271.4
5月14日，星期四
关于祷告的其他问题
“耶稣在世时，常常祷告。我们的救主认同我们的需要和软弱，祂成为恳求者，向天父祈求新的力量，好使祂能以饱满的精神迎接责任和考验。祂在一切事上都是我们的榜样。祂与我们同在，如同弟兄，祂“凡事受试探，与我们一样”；但作为无罪者，祂的本性厌恶罪恶；祂在罪恶的世界中忍受了灵魂的挣扎和折磨。祂的人性使祷告成为一种必需和特权。祂在与天父的交通中找到安慰和喜乐。如果人类的救主，神的儿子，都感到需要祷告，那么软弱的、有罪的凡人岂不更应该感到需要热切、恒切的祷告吗？（《约书亚记》26:5）
“恶者的黑暗笼罩着那些忽略祷告的人。仇敌的低语诱惑引诱他们犯罪；这一切都是因为他们没有善用神在神圣的祷告中赐予他们的特权。神的儿女为何不愿祷告呢？祷告是信心的钥匙，可以开启天上的宝库，那里珍藏着全能神无限的资源。若不持续祷告，不殷勤警醒，我们就有变得懈怠、偏离正道的危险……（CSA 27.1）
“我们若要期待神垂听并回应我们的祷告，必须满足某些条件。其中首要条件之一是，我们感到自己需要祂的帮助……我们的心必须向圣灵敞开，否则就无法领受神的祝福……（CSA 27.2）
“祷告的另一个要素是信心……耶稣对门徒说：‘凡你们祷告祈求的，无论是什么，只要信是得着的，就必得着。’”（马可福音 11:24）……《圣经》27.3
“当我们祈求的时候没有得到所求的，我们仍然要相信主垂听我们的祷告，祂必应允我们的祷告……当我们的祷告似乎没有得到回应时，我们应当紧紧抓住神的应许；因为应允的时候必会到来，我们必会得到我们最需要的祝福……神智慧过人，绝不会犯错；祂良善无比，绝不会将任何好处留给那些行事正直的人。”（《圣经》27.4）
“Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points tempted like as we are;” but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer. CSA 26.5
“The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven's storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path.... CSA 27.1
“There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him.... The heart must be open to the Spirit's influence, or God's blessing cannot be received.... CSA 27.2
“Another element of prevailing prayer is faith.... Jesus said to His disciples, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Mark 11:24.... CSA 27.3
“When we do not receive the very things we asked for, at the time we ask, we are still to believe that the Lord hears and that He will answer our prayers.... When our prayers seem not to be answered, we are to cling to the promise; for the time of answering will surely come, and we shall receive the blessing we need most.... God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly.” CSA 27.4
5月15日，星期五
进一步思考
“我们需要祷告——极其恳切、热切、痛苦的祷告——就像大卫那样呼喊道：‘神啊，我的心切慕你，如鹿切慕溪水。’‘我切慕你的训词；’‘我切慕你的救恩。’‘我的心切慕耶和华的院宇，甚至渴想得发昏；我的心肠、我的肉体呼求永生神。’‘我的心切慕你的判语，为此心碎。’这就是那位君王诗人所拥有的那种竭力祷告的精神。”（4T 534.2）
但以理向神祷告，不自夸，也不求什么恩惠：“耶和华啊，求你垂听；耶和华啊，求你赦免；耶和华啊，求你应允，求你成就；我的神啊，求你为自己的缘故，不要迟延。” 这就是雅各所说的有效而热切的祷告。论到基督，经上说：“他极其伤痛，祷告就更恳切了。” 与这来自天上至高者的代求相比，如今人们向神所献上的那些软弱无力、毫无感情的祷告，是何等的鲜明对比！许多人满足于口头上的敬拜，真正对神怀有真诚、热切、深切的渴望的人却寥寥无几。4T 534.3
与神相交能使灵魂对祂的旨意有深刻的认识。然而，许多自称信主的人并不明白真正的悔改是什么。他们没有通过耶稣基督与天父相交的经历，也从未感受到神圣恩典圣化心灵的力量。他们祷告又犯罪，犯罪又祷告，他们的生活充满了恶意、欺骗、嫉妒、猜忌和自私。这类人的祷告在神看来是可憎的。真正的祷告能调动灵魂的能量，影响生命。如此向神倾诉自己需求的人，会感受到世间万物的空虚。“我一切的愿望都在你面前，”大卫说，“我的叹息在你面前也毫不隐瞒。”“我的心渴想神，就是永生神；我何时才能来到神面前呢？”“我每逢追想这些事，就倾心吐意。”（《信实录》4T 534.4）
“随着信徒人数的增长，我们必须制定更宏大的计划来应对时代日益增长的需求；然而，我们并未看到虔诚、基督徒的简朴和真挚的奉献精神有显著增长。教会似乎满足于仅仅迈出皈依的第一步。他们更热衷于积极的服事，而非谦卑的奉献；更热衷于外在的宗教服务，而非内在的灵性修养。他们为了追求喧嚣和炫耀而忽略了默想和祷告。宗教必须从清空和净化心灵开始，并需要每日祷告的滋养。4T 535.1
“我们工作的稳步进展和设施的不断完善，使许多人心中充满满足和自豪，我们担心这会取代灵魂中对上帝的爱。即使是上帝工作的机械性部分，也可能使人心神不宁，以至于忽略祷告；自负和自满，急于求成，会取代真正的良善、谦卑和谦卑。人们或许会高声呼喊：‘这是耶和华的殿，这是耶和华的殿！’‘来，与我同在，看看我对耶和华的热心！’但是，那些肩负重任的人在哪里？以色列的父辈们在哪里？那些心中怀着拯救灵魂的重担，与同胞感同身受，随时准备挺身而出，拯救他们免于永恒毁灭的人在哪里？”（《信条4》535.2）
“There is need of prayer,—most earnest, fervent, agonizing prayer,—such prayer as David offered when he exclaimed: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.” “I have longed after Thy precepts;” “I have longed for Thy salvation.” “My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto Thy judgments.” This is the spirit of wrestling prayer, such as was possessed by the royal psalmist. 4T 534.2
“Daniel prayed to God, not exalting himself or claiming any goodness: “O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for Thine own sake, O my God.” This is what James calls the effectual, fervent prayer. Of Christ it is said: “And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.” In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God. 4T 534.3
“Communion with God imparts to the soul an intimate knowledge of His will. But many who profess the faith know not what true conversion is. They have no experience in communion with the Father through Jesus Christ, and have never felt the power of divine grace to sanctify the heart. Praying and sinning, sinning and praying, their lives are full of malice, deceit, envy, jealousy, and self-love. The prayers of this class are an abomination to God. True prayer engages the energies of the soul and affects the life. He who thus pours out his wants before God feels the emptiness of everything else under heaven. “All my desire is before Thee,” said David, “and my groaning is not hid from Thee.” “My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me.” 4T 534.4
“As our numbers are increasing, broader plans must be laid to meet the increasing demands of the times; but we see no special increase of fervent piety, of Christian simplicity, and earnest devotion. The church seem content to take only the first steps in conversion. They are more ready for active labor than for humble devotion, more ready to engage in outward religious service than in the inner work of the heart. Meditation and prayer are neglected for bustle and show. Religion must begin with emptying and purifying the heart, and must be nurtured by daily prayer. 4T 535.1
“The steady progress of our work, and our increased facilities, are filling the hearts and minds of many of our people with satisfaction and pride, which we fear will take the place of the love of God in the soul. Busy activity in the mechanical part of even the work of God may so occupy the mind that prayer shall be neglected, and self-importance and self-sufficiency, so ready to urge their way, shall take the place of true goodness, meekness, and lowliness of heart. The zealous cry may be heard: “The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these.” “Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord.” But where are the burden bearers? where are the fathers and mothers in Israel? Where are those who carry upon the heart the burden for souls and who come in close sympathy with their fellow men, ready to place themselves in any position to save them from eternal ruin?” 4T 535.2