第12章 祈祷与复兴
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第12章 祈祷与复兴
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Chap. 12—Prayer and Revival
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复兴必须以应允祷告为前提——我们一切需要中最重大而迫切的需要，就是要在我们中间复兴真实的敬虔。谋求这种复兴应是我们最重要的工作。要获得主的福气，必须付出真诚的努力。并非上帝不肯赐福给我们，而是我们没有准备好领受。地上的父母都愿意把好东西给他们的儿女，我们的天父更愿意把圣灵赐给寻求祂的人。但我们必须藉着认罪、谦卑、悔改和恳求来满足主应许赐福的条件。复兴必须以应允祷告为前提。（1SM 121）{Pr 116.1}[1]
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Revival Will Come Only in Answer to Prayer—A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work. There must be earnest effort to obtain the blessing of the Lord, not because God is not willing to bestow His blessing upon us, but because we are unprepared to receive it. Our Heavenly Father is more willing to give His Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than are earthly parents to give good gifts to their children. But it is our work, by confession, humiliation, repentance, and earnest prayer, to fulfill the conditions upon which God has promised to grant us His blessing. A revival need be expected only in answer to prayer.—(Selected Messages 1:121.){Pr 116.1}[1]
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今日我们也需要这种内心信仰的复兴，象古时以色列人所经历的一样。我们象他们一样，需要结出果子来与悔改的心相称，——抛弃我们的罪，洁净被污秽了的心殿，好让耶稣进来作王。需要祷告——恳切的、得胜的祷告。我们的救主已为真悔改的祈求者留下宝贵的应许。这样的人寻求祂的面不会枉然。祂还用自己的榜样教导我们祷告的必要。祂自己本为天上的至尊，尚且常常花整夜的时间与祂的父交谈。假如世界的救赎主都不是太纯洁、太智慧、太圣洁以致不需寻求上帝的帮助，那么我们软弱犯罪的凡人就必定完全需要上帝的帮助了。每一个真基督徒都必以痛悔的心和信心常常寻求“来到施恩的宝座前，为要得怜恤，蒙恩惠，作随时的帮助”（来4:16）。(ST.1882.1.26)?{Pr 116.2}[2]
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There is need today of such a revival of true heart-religion as was experienced by ancient Israel. We need, like them, to bring forth fruit meet for repentance,—to put away our sins, cleansing the defiled temple of the heart that Jesus may reign within. There is need of prayer—earnest, prevailing prayer. Our Saviour has left precious promises for the truly penitent petitioner. Such shall not?seek His face in vain. He has also by His own example taught us the necessity of prayer. Himself the Majesty of Heaven, He often spent all night in communion with His Father. If the world’s Redeemer was not too pure, too wise, or too holy to seek help from God, surely weak, erring mortals have every need of that divine assistance. With penitence and faith, every true Christian will often seek “the throne of grace, that he may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”(The Signs of the Times, January 26, 1882.)?{Pr 116.2}[2]
§7
祈祷将我们与上帝联系起来——但我们在感到自己软弱无奈的时候，如果能怀着信靠的心来到上帝面前，向无所不知的主阐明我们的需要，那位监察万有，按祂的旨意和真道治理万有的主，必乐意垂听我们的呼求，让真光照入我们的心。藉着诚恳的祈求，我们得以与无穷上帝的心联结在一起。我们或许不能即时看到救赎主以同情和爱心垂顾我们的显著凭据，但实情确是如此。我们可能感觉不到祂明显的抚摸，但祂的确怀着仁爱和慈悯，按手在我们身上。（SC 97）{Pr 117.1}[3]
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Prayer Brings Us Into Connection With God—If we come to God, feeling helpless and dependent, as we really are, and in humble, trusting faith make known our wants to Him whose knowledge is infinite, who sees everything in creation, and who governs everything by His will and word, He can and will attend to our cry, and will let light shine into our hearts. Through sincere prayer we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness.—(Steps to Christ, 97.){Pr 117.1}[3]
§9
我们的祷告必须与基督洁净人的宝血混合，才能升到上帝面前——真信徒的宗教礼拜、祈祷、赞美、悔改和认罪如香升到天上的圣所。但这些在经过人类败坏的通道时受到了玷污，若不藉着宝血的洁净，它们在上帝面前就毫无价值。它们上升时不是纯洁无暇的。如果不是经过那位上帝右边的代求者藉着祂的公义洁净，就不能蒙上帝悦纳。从地上帐幕上升的香必须与基督洁净人的宝血混合起来。祂在天父面前举起自己功劳的香炉，里面不含任何地上的败坏。祂将祂子民的祈祷、赞美和认罪都收集在这个香炉里，然后再掺入自己毫无暇疵的公义。这香调和着基督赎罪的功劳，升到上帝面前，得到完全的悦纳和恩典的回应。（1SM 344）?{Pr 117.2}[4]
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Our Prayers Ascend to Heaven Moist With Christ’s Cleansing Blood—The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God’s right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and?the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned.—(Selected Messages 1:344.)?{Pr 117.2}[4]
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在祷告时我们感受耶稣的同在——我们如果经常纪念主，向祂献上衷心的感谢和赞美，我们的宗教生活就会生机蓬勃。我们的祷告会采取与上帝谈话的方式，就像是与一位朋友谈心一样。祂要亲自把祂的奥秘告诉我们。我们就会经常获得与耶稣同在的甜蜜而愉快的感觉。 (COL 129.){Pr 118.1}[5]
§12
In Prayer We Sense the Presence of Jesus—If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Often there will come to us a sweet joyful sense of the presence of Jesus.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 129.){Pr 118.1}[5]
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圣灵在五旬节降临回应祷告——圣灵丰丰富富地降在那些等候着的门徒身上，甚至充满了每一个人的心。无穷无尽的主以大能大力地向祂的教会显示了自己。历代以来，这种感动力似乎一直是被抑制着的，而现在这圣灵的恩典既能丰丰富富地倾降在教会里，全天庭就大大喜乐。在圣灵的感动之下，有悔改和认罪的声音与因罪蒙赦而感谢的歌声调和。那里以可以听到感恩和说预言的话。全天庭都俯视并尊荣那无可比拟而不可思议之爱的智慧。使徒不胜惊异地喊着说：“这就是爱了！”他们握住了这所赐下的恩赐。结果怎样呢？那因大能而开了刃并焕发着天上之电光的圣灵宝剑刺透了不信的心。在一日之内，成千的人悔改了。（AA 38){Pr 118.2}[6]
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The Holy Spirit Came at Pentecost in Answer to Prayer—The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church. It was as if for ages this influence had been held in restraint, and now Heaven rejoiced in being able to pour out upon the church the riches of the Spirit’s grace. And under the influence of the Spirit, words of penitence and confession mingled with songs of praise for sins forgiven. Words of thanksgiving and of prophecy were heard. All heaven bent low to behold and to adore the wisdom of matchless, incomprehensible love. Lost in wonder, the apostles exclaimed, “Herein is love.” They grasped the imparted gift. And what followed? The sword of the Spirit, newly edged with power and bathed in the lightnings of heaven, cut its way through unbelief. Thousands were converted in a day.—(The Acts of the Apostles, 38.){Pr 118.2}[6]
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我们应当为得圣灵祈求，就象五旬节的门徒那样——人心必须倒空每一项污秽，为圣灵的居住洁净自己。藉着承认并离弃罪恶，藉着热切的祷告并献身于上帝，早期的门徒得以预备好在五旬节领受圣灵的沛降。现今要完成这同样的工作，只是在更大的程度上。……?{Pr 118.3}[7]
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We Should Pray for the Holy Spirit as Did the Disciples at Pentecost—The heart must be emptied of every defilement and cleansed for the indwelling of the Spirit. It was by the confession and forsaking of sin, by earnest prayer and consecration of themselves to God, that the early disciples prepared for the outpouring?of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. The same work, only in greater degree, must be done now....?{Pr 118.3}[7]
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我们若不在活泼的基督化德行表现上，天天有所长进，就决不会察觉出圣灵在春雨中所有的显示。春雨或许正沛降在我们四围之人的心中，只是我们既未看出，也不领受。……{Pr 119.1}[8]
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Unless we are daily advancing in the exemplification of the active Christian virtues, we shall not recognize the manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain. It may be falling on hearts all around us, but we shall not discern or receive it....{Pr 119.1}[8]
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在开始的时候，需要上帝的恩典，在前进的每一步中，也需要上帝的恩典。唯有上帝的恩典才能完成这项工作。我们在任何时候都不可以抱着漫不经心的态度。我们永不可忘记基督的警告：“总要警醒祷告，”“时时警醒，常常祈求”（太26:41;路21:36）。每时每刻与神圣的媒介保持联络，是我们的进步所必不可少的。我们可能在一定的程度上有上帝之灵的同在。但我们要藉着祷告和信心，继续更多地寻求圣灵。（TM 507, 508.){Pr 119.2}[9]
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Divine grace is needed at the beginning, divine grace at every step of advance, and divine grace alone can complete the work. There is no place for us to rest in a careless attitude. We must never forget the warnings of Christ, “Watch unto prayer,” “Watch, ... and pray always.” A connection with the divine agency every moment is essential to our progress. We may have had a measure of the Spirit of God, but by prayer and faith we are continually to seek more of the Spirit.—(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 507, 508.){Pr 119.2}[9]
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我们应当诚恳地祈求圣灵的沛降，正如门徒在五旬节那样。他们那时既需要圣灵，我们今日就更加需要了。{Pr 119.3}[10]
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We should pray as earnestly for the descent of the Holy Spirit as the disciples prayed on the day of Pentecost. If they needed it at that time, we need it more today.{Pr 119.3}[10]
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若缺少上帝的圣灵与权能，我们宣讲真理的努力就必归于徒然。 (AUCR 1898.4.1){Pr 119.4}[11]
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Without the Spirit and power of God, it will be in vain that we labor to present the truth.—((Australasian) Union Conference Record, April 1, 1898.){Pr 119.4}[11]
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凭着信心求主实现赐圣灵的应许——惟有那些谦卑等侯上帝，并注意祂引导和恩典的人，才能得到圣灵。上帝的能力等着他们的请求和接受。人若凭着信心领受这所应许的福，这福就必带来一连串的其他恩惠。上帝的能力是照着基督丰盛的恩典赐给人的，而且基督必随时照着各人的容量而赐给各人。（DA 672.){Pr 119.5}[12]
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Claim the Promise of the Spirit by Faith—Only to those who wait humbly upon God, who watch for His guidance and grace, is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train. It is given according to the riches of the grace of Christ, and He is ready to supply every soul according to the capacity to receive.—(The Desire of Ages, 672.){Pr 119.5}[12]
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为晚雨祈祷——我们必须祈求上帝打开生命水的泉源。我们要亲自领受活水。让我们以痛悔的心，极其恳切地祈求现在晚雨的时候，恩典的甘霖能降在我们身上。在我们每次参加聚会时，我们的祷告应该上升，让上帝此时赐予温暖并滋润我们的心灵。当我们向上帝求圣灵时，圣灵就会在我们里面造就温柔谦卑的心，衷心信赖上帝降下晚雨。如果我们凭着信心求福，我们就必得福，因为上帝已经应许。（TM 508)?{Pr 119.6}[13]
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Pray for the Latter Rain—We must pray that God will unseal the fountain of the water of life. And we must ourselves receive of the living water. Let us, with contrite hearts, pray most earnestly that now, in the time of the latter rain, the showers of grace may fall upon us. At every meeting we attend our prayers should ascend,?that at this very time God will impart warmth and moisture to our souls. As we seek God for the Holy Spirit, it will work in us meekness, humbleness of mind, a conscious dependence upon God for the perfecting latter rain. If we pray for the blessing in faith, we shall receive it as God has promised.—(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 508.)?{Pr 119.6}[13]
§29
要热切地祷告，追求圣灵的能力——我们所需要的，是上帝的圣灵苏醒人心的影响力。“不是倚靠势力，不是倚靠才能，乃是倚靠我的灵方能成事”（亚4:6）。你要不住的祷告，并按照你的祈求警醒工作。你在祷告的时候，要相信并依靠上帝。当主赐下丰盛的圣灵时，晚雨的时候就来到了。要热切地祷告，并且在圣灵里警醒。（TM 512）{Pr 120.1}[14]
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Be Fervent in Prayer and in the Power of the Holy Spirit—What we need is the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit of God. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” Pray without ceasing, and watch by working in accordance with your prayers. As you pray, believe, trust in God. It is the time of the latter rain, when the Lord will give largely of His Spirit. Be fervent in prayer, and watch in the Spirit.—(Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 512.){Pr 120.1}[14]
§31
撒但害怕上帝的子民求圣灵——撒但最害怕的，就是上帝的子民清除一切障碍，让上帝将祂的灵浇灌软弱的教会和尚未悔改的会众。如果让撒但得逞，末日以前就不会再有或大或小的觉醒了。但我们并非不晓得他的诡计。他的权势是可以抵挡的。只要为上帝的灵预备了道路，福惠就会临到。撒但不可能阻止福惠倾降在上帝的子民身上，正如他不能关闭天上的窗户，使雨不降在地上一样。只要上帝的子民愿意以谦虚痛悔的心承认和放弃自己的罪，凭着信心要求祂的应许，恶人和恶魔就无法阻止上帝的工作，阻止祂在祂子民的会中临格。（1SM 124）{Pr 120.2}[15]
§32
Satan Fears God’s People Praying for the Holy Spirit—There is nothing that Satan fears so much as that the people of God shall clear the way by removing every hindrance, so that the Lord can pour out His Spirit upon a languishing church and an impenitent congregation. If Satan had his way, there would never be another awakening, great or small, to the end of time. But we are not ignorant of his devices. It is possible to resist his power. When the way is prepared for the Spirit of God, the blessing will come. Satan can no more hinder a shower of blessing from descending upon God’s people than he can close the windows of heaven that rain cannot come upon the earth. Wicked men and devils cannot hinder the work of God, or shut out His presence from the assemblies of His people, if they will, with subdued, contrite hearts, confess and put away their sins, and in faith claim His promises.—(Selected Messages 1:124.){Pr 120.2}[15]
§33
圣灵伴随着真诚的祷告——惟有从上帝那里来的信仰，才是领人到上帝那里去。我们事奉上帝若要事奉得对，就必须从圣灵而生。这才足以清洁我们的心，更新我们的灵，并赐给我们新的能力，来认识上帝并爱上帝。这种经验也要使我们乐意顺从祂的一切命令。这才是真的敬拜。这是圣灵作工的成果。每一个真诚的祈祷，都是圣灵所感动的。这样的祈祷乃是上帝所悦纳的。无论何处有人寻求上帝，那里就有圣灵在运行。上帝也要向这人显示自己。原来上帝正在寻找这样敬拜他的人。祂等着要接纳他们，使他们成为祂的儿女。（DA 189）?{Pr 120.3}[16]
§34
The Spirit Accompanies Every Sincere Prayer—The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new?capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit’s working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters.—(The Desire of Ages, 189.)?{Pr 120.3}[16]
§35
祷告若没有认真的行动就会流于形式——上帝并没有要我们为了献身侍奉祂而离群索居，成为隐士或僧侣。我们无论在深山或人群之中，都要象基督那样生活。只祷告而不作别事的人，他的祷告是不能持久的，或只能流于形式。人如果脱离社会生活，逃避基督徒的责任和十字架，不殷勤为那热心服务我们的主工作，他们的祷告就失去了题材和献身的动力，变得自私自利了。他们不会为人类的需要和基督之国的建立而祷告，也不会为工作的力量而祈求。（SC 101）{Pr 121.1}[17]
§36
Prayer Without Earnest Activity for Others Leads to Formalism—God does not mean that any of us shall become hermits or monks, and retire from the world to devote ourselves to acts of worship. The life must be like Christ’s life,—between the mountain and the multitude. He who does nothing but pray will soon cease to pray, or his prayers will become a formal routine. When men take themselves out of social life, away from the sphere of Christian duty and cross-bearing; when they cease to work earnestly for the Master, who worked earnestly for them, they lose the subject matter of prayer, and have no incentive to devotion. Their prayers become personal and selfish. They cannot pray in regard to the wants of humanity or the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom, pleading for strength wherewith to work.—(Steps to Christ, 101.){Pr 121.1}[17]
§37
属灵的进步依靠祷告——我们若欲在属灵的生活上长进，就必须多用时间祷告。当真理的信息初次传开时，我们的祈祷是多么的殷切。在内室，农场，果园或丛林中，都常常听到祈求的声音。三三两两聚在一起提述上帝的应许，用几小时的光阴诚挚祈祷；往往先听见哭泣的声音，继而是感谢和赞美的歌声。而今上帝的大日较我们初信之时更近了，我们应该比起初的时期更加诚恳、更加热心。而今危机比当年还要多。（5T. 161, 162.){Pr 121.2}[18]
§38
Spiritual Progress Depends Upon Prayer—We must be much in prayer if we would make progress in the divine life. When the message of truth was first proclaimed, how much we prayed. How often was the voice of intercession heard in the chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest prayer, two or three together claiming the promise; often the sound of weeping was heard and then the voice of thanksgiving and the song of praise. Now the day of God is nearer than when we first believed, and we should be more earnest, more zealous, and fervent than in those early days. Our perils are greater now than then.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:161, 162.){Pr 121.2}[18]