第26章 虚伪的祷告
§1
第26章 虚伪的祷告
§2
Chap. 26—Counterfeit Prayers
§3
祈祷时不可轻率地来到上帝面前——凡到上帝面前来的人，态度必须谦卑恭敬。我们奉耶稣的名可以凭着信心来到上帝面前。但我们不可以胆敢僭越自持地就近祂，好像祂与我们同等一样。有人称呼至大全能圣洁的上帝，就是那住在人不能靠近之光里的主，好像是与同等的人，甚至于低下的人谈话一样。也有人在上帝圣殿里的举止行动是不敢在地上君王的谒见室里作的。这些人应当记得，他们是在那撒拉弗所敬拜，众天使所蒙脸不敢平视的上帝面前。（PP 252）{Pr 259.1}[1]
§4
Do Not Approach God Lightly in Prayer—Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience chamber of an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are in His sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces.—(Patriarchs and Prophets, 252.){Pr 259.1}[1]
§5
伪善的祷告——如果我们一点儿也不感到自己可怜，却告诉上帝说自己是如何可怜，这样的祷告乃是伪善的。主所重视的，乃是悔改的祷告。“因为那至高至上，住在永远，名为圣者的如此说：我住在至高至圣的所在，也与心灵痛悔谦卑的人同居，要使谦卑人的灵苏醒，也使痛悔人的心苏醒”（赛 57:15,16）。{Pr 259.2}[2]
§6
Prayers of Hypocrisy—The prayers that are offered to God to tell Him of all our wretchedness, when we do not feel wretched at all, are the prayers of hypocrisy. It is the contrite prayer that the Lord regards. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, and with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive?the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”?{Pr 259.2}[2]
§7
祷告的目的不是要让上帝作什么改变，而是要使我们与祂和谐。祷告并不代替责任。（MYP 247，248）{Pr 260.1}[3]
§8
Prayer is not intended to work any change in God; it brings us into harmony with God. It does not take the place of duty.—(Messages to Young People, 247, 248.){Pr 260.1}[3]
§9
投下阴影的祷告——我怕有些人没有在私祷中向上帝陈明自己的困难，他们把这些难题保留着，而带到祷告会里，补作好几天的祷告。这等人可说是议事会及祷告会的凶手。他们没有传光，也不造就任何人。他们那冰冷枯燥的祷告，消极冗长的见证，给会众投下一重暗影。他们祷告一结束，大家都高兴。他们的祷告及讲论给会场带来的是几乎无法消散的寒冷和黑暗。从我得的亮光看来，我们的聚会应当是属灵的，亲睦的，但却不可太长。人们应当把自己的含蓄、骄傲、虚荣和恐惧都留在家里。在赴这些聚会之时，也不可带有一点异见及成见。正如一个精诚团结的家庭，赴会的弟兄姐妹们的心里，都应存着纯朴、温柔、信任和仁爱，并借他们带来的亮光使大家奋兴活泼起来。（2T.578，579）{Pr 260.2}[4]
§10
Prayers That Cast a Chilly Shadow—There are some, I fear, who do not take their troubles to God in private prayer, but reserve them for the prayer meeting, and there do up their praying for several days. Such may be named conference and prayer meeting killers. They emit no light; they edify no one. Their cold, frozen prayers and long, backslidden testimonies cast a shadow. All are glad when they get through, and it is almost impossible to throw off the chill and darkness which their prayers and exhortations bring into the meeting. From the light which I have received, our meetings should be spiritual and social, and not too long. Reserve, pride, vanity, and fear of man should be left at home. Little differences and prejudices should not be taken with us to these meetings. As in a united family, simplicity, meekness, confidence, and love should exist in the hearts of brethren and sisters who meet to be refreshed and invigorated by bringing their lights together.—(Testimonies for the Church 2:578, 579.){Pr 260.2}[4]
§11
期待祷告总以我们所希望的方式得到应允，这乃是冒昧——信心的祈祷决不会落空；但是宣称祷告总会以我们所期望的方式得到我们想要的东西，这乃是冒昧。（1T 231）{Pr 260.3}[5]
§12
To Expect That Our Prayers Will Always Be Answered in Just the Way We Want Is Presumption—The prayer of faith is never lost; but to claim that it will be always answered in the very way and for the particular thing we have expected, is presumption. (Testimonies for the Church 1:231.){Pr 260.3}[5]
§13
我们在祷告似乎没有回音的时候，仍要坚信主的应许。因为时候一到，上帝必将我们最需要的福分赐给我们。但如果我们要上帝完全按照我们所求的给我们，那就是妄想了。上帝太智慧，不会出任何差错。祂太善良，决不会向行义的人偏留任何好东西。所以你们可以大胆地信靠祂。即使你没有看到自己的祷告立时得到应允，也当相信祂可靠的应许：“你们祈求，就给你们”(太7:7)。（SC 96）?{Pr 260.4}[6]
§14
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. But to claim that prayer will always be answered in the very way and for the particular thing that we desire, is presumption. God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from them that walk uprightly.?Then do not fear to trust Him, even though you do not see the immediate answer to your prayers. Rely upon His sure promise, “Ask, and it shall be given you.”(Steps to Christ, 96.)?{Pr 260.4}[6]
§15
祷告本身不具有洁净罪恶的功劳——外邦人认为祷告本身具有赎罪的功劳。祷告越长，功劳就越大。如果他们真能靠自己的努力而成圣，他们就有高兴的理由和自夸的依据了。这种祷告的观念源于自我赎罪的原则。这是一切虚假宗教的基础。法利赛人接受了这种异教的祷告观。这种观念直至今日还没有消失，甚至在自称为基督徒的人中也是如此。口中重复刻板俗套的词句，心里却不感觉需要上帝，其性质与外邦人的“重复话”是一样的。{Pr 261.1}[7]
§16
Prayer Has No Merit in Itself to Cleanse From Sin—The heathen looked upon their prayers as having in themselves merit to atone for sin. Hence the longer the prayer the greater the merit. If they could become holy by their own efforts they would have something in themselves in which to rejoice, some ground for boasting. This idea of prayer is an outworking of the principle of self-expiation which lies at the foundation of all systems of false religion. The Pharisees had adopted this pagan idea of prayer, and it is by no means extinct in our day, even among those who profess to be Christians. The repetition of set, customary phrases, when the heart feels no need of God, is of the same character as the “vain repetitions” of the heathen.{Pr 261.1}[7]
§17
祷告并不能赎罪。它本身也没有任何功劳。我们所有的华丽辞藻，都比不上一个圣洁的愿望。最有口才的祈祷，如果言不由衷，那也只能是无聊的空话。但那出自衷肠的祈祷，表达了心灵单纯的需要，犹如向世上的好友求助，期待得到应允一样。这乃是出于信心的祷告。上帝并不希望我们作礼仪上的恭维。但那感悟自己的罪过和软弱，以致伤心降服之人所发的无声祈祷，却要达到诸恩之父面前。（MB 86，87）{Pr 261.2}[8]
§18
Prayer is not an expiation for sin; it has no virtue or merit of itself. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but idle words if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed, as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting it to be granted—this is the prayer of faith. God does not desire our ceremonial compliments, but the unspoken cry of the heart broken and subdued with a sense of its sin and utter weakness finds its way to the Father of all mercy.—(Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 86, 87.){Pr 261.2}[8]
§19
如果生活没有改变，祈祷不能证明已经悔改——撒但引诱人以为自己有了一种情感上的兴奋，就算是悔改了。然而他们的经验并没有改变。他们的行为与从前一样。他们的人生没有结出善果。他们经常作很长的祷告，不住地提说自己在某时的感觉。可是他们没有度新的生活。他们被欺骗了。他们经验仅限于肤浅的情感。他们建造在沙土之上，一旦逆风吹来，他们的房屋就会被卷走。{Pr 261.3}[9]
§20
Prayer Is No Evidence of Conversion if the Life Is Not Changed—Satan leads people to think that because they have felt a rapture of feeling, they are converted. But their experience does not change. Their actions are the same as before. Their lives show no good fruit. They pray often and long, and are constantly referring to the feelings they had at such and such a time. But they do not live the new life. They are deceived. Their experience goes?no deeper than feeling. They build upon the sand, and when adverse winds come, their house is swept away.?{Pr 261.3}[9]
§21
许多可怜的人在黑暗中摸索，寻求别人所说在自己经验中的感觉。他们忽略了一个事实，就是信靠基督的人必须恐惧战兢作成自己得救的工夫。自觉有罪的人是有事情要作。他必须悔改，并表现出真实的信心。{Pr 262.1}[10]
§22
Many poor souls are groping in darkness, looking for the feelings which others say they have had in their experience. They overlook the fact that the believer in Christ must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. The convicted sinner has something to do. He must repent and show true faith.{Pr 262.1}[10]
§23
耶稣所谈到的新心，所指的是心灵，生活和全身。心灵改变，就是将感情从世界转移到基督身上。有一颗新心，就是有新的思想，愿望和动机。新心的标志是什么呢？就是改变了的人生，就是每日每时向自私和骄傲死去。（MYP 71，72）{Pr 262.2}[11]
§24
When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—A changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride.—(Messages to Young People, 71, 72.){Pr 262.2}[11]
§25
祷告不代替顺从——男男女女面对上帝最明确的命令，却愿随从自己的爱好，然后还胆敢为此事祷告，力劝上帝同意他们与祂明确的旨意背道而驰。上帝不喜悦这样祷告的人。撒但来到他们身边，象他在伊甸园对夏娃所做的一样，使他们受感，他们便动了脑筋，并将此叙述为主赐给他们的极奇妙的经验。(RH,1886.7.27){Pr 262.3}[12]
§26
Prayer No Substitute for Obedience—Men and women, in the face of the most positive commands of God, will follow their own inclination, and then dare to pray over the matter, to prevail upon God to consent to allow them to go contrary to His expressed will. God is not pleased with such prayers. Satan comes to their side, as he did to Eve in Eden, and impresses them, and they have an exercise of mind, and this they relate as a most wonderful experience which the Lord has given them.—(The Review and Herald, July 27, 1886.){Pr 262.3}[12]
§27
与上帝相交赋予心灵关于祂旨意的深邃知识。但是许多自称信奉真道的人竟不知道何为真正的悔改。他们没有藉着耶稣基督与天父交通的经验，也从未感到神圣恩典圣化人心的能力。他们虽祈祷和歌唱，歌唱和祈祷，他们的生活却充满了恶意、欺骗、猜忌、嫉妒和爱自己的心。这等人的祷告对上帝来说是可憎的。真实的祷告使用心灵之力，影响整个的人生。凡如此在上帝的面前倾吐自己缺乏的人，也感悟到天下一切的虚空。（4T 534）{Pr 262.4}[13]
§28
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.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:534, 535.){Pr 262.4}[13]
§29
上帝应许的实现是有条件的。祈祷决不能代替本分。基督说：“你们若爱我，就必遵守我的命令。”“有了我的命令又遵守的，这人就是爱我的；爱我的，必蒙我父爱他，我也要爱他，并且要向他显现”（约14:15，21）。人一方面恳求上帝实现祂的应许，却又不履行应许的条件，就是侮慢了耶和华。他们提说基督的名字作为实现应许的根据，却没有做表明自己信靠基督并且爱祂的事。（COL 143）{Pr 263.1}[14]
§30
There are conditions to the fulfillment of God’s promises, and prayer can never take the place of duty. “If ye love Me,” Christ says, “Keep My commandments.”“He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me; and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him.”?John 14:15, 21. Those who bring their petitions to God, claiming His promise while they do not comply with the conditions, insult Jehovah. They bring the name of Christ as their authority for the fulfillment of the promise, but they do not those things that would show faith in Christ and love for Him.—(Christ’s Object Lessons, 143.){Pr 263.1}[14]
§31
祈祷是向上帝，象对朋友一般，敞开心怀。信心的眼目必能辨明上帝非常亲近，而且祈求者可以获致上帝对他慈爱和照顾的珍贵凭证。然而为何有那么多的祷告始终得不到应允呢？大卫说：“我曾用口求告祂；我的舌头也称祂为高。我若心里注重罪孽，主必不听”（诗66:17,18）。上帝藉另一位先知应许我们说：“你们寻求我，若专心寻求我，就必寻见”（耶29:13）。此外，祂也论到一些“并不诚心哀求”祂的人（何7:14）。这样的祈求无非是徒具形式的祷告，口头上的服务而已，是不蒙主悦纳的。（4T 533）{Pr 263.2}[15]
§32
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.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:533.){Pr 263.2}[15]
§33
匆促偶然的祷告不是与上帝真正来往——天庭之门并没有对义人恳挚的祈祷关闭。以利亚和我们是同样性情的人，主却垂听他，并明显地应允了他的祈求。我们缺乏能力与上帝同在，唯一的原因在我们自己。倘若许多自称相信真理之人内在的生活，呈现于他们眼前，他们必不再自称是基督徒了。他们没有在恩典中长进。偶尔献上了一次匆促的祷告，却没有与上帝真正地来往。{Pr 263.3}[16]
§34
Hurried, Occasional Prayers Are Not Real Communion With God—Heaven is not closed against the fervent prayers of the righteous. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, yet the Lord heard and in a most striking manner answered his petitions. The only reason for our lack of power with God is to be found in ourselves. If the inner life of many who profess the truth were presented before them, they would not claim to be Christians. They are not growing in grace. A hurried prayer is offered now and then, but there is no real communion with God.{Pr 263.3}[16]
§35
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。（5T 161，162）{Pr 263.4}[17]
§36
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.—(Testimonies for the Church 5:161, 162.)?{Pr 263.4}[17]
§37
上帝厌恶自私的祷告——我看到在那些自称等候他们主复临的人中有一些像犹大的人。撒但已经控制了他们，但他们却懵然无知。上帝不能嘉纳些微的贪心或自私，而且祂憎厌一切放纵这种邪情恶欲之人的祷告和劝勉。撒但既看到自己的时候不多，就引诱人越来越自私，越来越贪心，及至他们完全以自我为中心、吝啬、刻薄、自私时，他就欢喜雀跃了。如果这一等人的眼睛能够睁开，他们就必看见撒但因恶毒的胜利而狂欢，并嗤笑那些接受他的提议而陷入他网罗之人的愚妄。（EW 268）{Pr 264.1}[18]
§38
God Abhors the Prayers of the Selfish—I saw that there were some like Judas among those who profess to be waiting for their Lord. Satan controls them, but they know it not. God cannot approve of the least degree of covetousness or selfishness, and He abhors the prayers and exhortations of those who indulge these evil traits. As Satan sees that his time is short, he leads men on to be more and more selfish and covetous, and then exults as he sees them wrapped up in themselves, close, penurious, and selfish. If the eyes of such could be opened, they would see Satan in hellish triumph, exulting over them and laughing at the folly of those who accept his suggestions and enter his snares.—(Early Writings, 268.){Pr 264.1}[18]
§39
枯燥陈旧的祈祷对人没有帮助——教会需要那些习惯与上帝交通的信徒们新鲜活泼的经验。枯燥而陈旧的见证与祈祷，其中毫不表现基督，对人们是没有帮助的。如果每位自称为上帝儿女的人，都充满着信心、亮光及生命，就会给那些来听真理的人有何等奇妙的见证啊！而且会赢得多少人来归向基督啊！（6T 64）{{Pr 264.2}[19]
§40
Dry, Stale Prayers Help No One—The church needs the fresh, living experience of members who have habitual communion with God. Dry, stale testimonies and prayers, without the manifestation of Christ in them, are no help to the people. If everyone who claims to be a child of God were filled with faith and light and life, what a wonderful witness would be given to those who come to hear the truth! And how many souls might be won to Christ!—(Testimonies for the Church 6:64.){Pr 264.2}[19]
§41
天国所有的财富都已交给了耶稣基督。祂能把这些宝贵的恩赐分给凡殷勤恳求的人。祂成为“我们的智慧、公义、圣洁、救赎”（林前1:30）。然而许多人的祷告只讲形式，毫无向善的影响，不能成为活的香气。{Pr 264.3}[20]
§42
All the treasures of heaven were committed to Jesus Christ, that He might impart these precious gifts to the diligent, persevering seeker. He “is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”?1 Corinthians 1:30. But even the prayers of many are so formal that they carry with them no influence for good. They are not a savor of life.{Pr 264.3}[20]
§43
教师们若肯在上帝面前虚心，认识到自己接受了一批青年，要让他们为不朽的来生受教育，这是何等重大的责任，他们的态度就会有显著的改变，他们的祷告就不会是枯燥无味的了。他们必恳切地祈求，深感自己的危险。（CT 371，372）{Pr 265.1}[21]
§44
If teachers would humble their hearts before God and realize the responsibilities they have accepted in taking charge of the youth with the object of educating them for the future immortal life, a marked change would soon be seen in their attitude. Their prayers would not be dry and lifeless, but they would pray with the earnestness of souls who feel their peril.—(Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 371, 372.){Pr 265.1}[21]
§45
警告出于自私的祷告——我们向上帝祈求，心中不应充满自私的欲望。上帝劝我们选择那些能增进祂荣耀的恩赐。祂希望我们选择属天的事物，而不是属地的事物。祂向我们展示与上天交往的前景和利益。祂鼓励我们树立最高的目标，并为我们最珍贵的财宝提供保障。当属世的财富毁灭之时，信徒将因他在天上的财富而欢喜，因为这种财富是世上的灾难所破坏不了的。（SD 188）{Pr 265.2}[22]
§46
Warning Against Prayers That Have Self as Their Source—Our petitions to God should not proceed from hearts that are filled with selfish aspirations. God exhorts us to choose those gifts that will redound to His glory. He would have us choose the heavenly instead of the earthly. He throws open before us the possibilities and advantages of a heavenly commerce. He gives encouragement to our loftiest aims, security to our choicest treasure. When the worldly possession is swept away, the believer will rejoice in his heavenly treasure, the riches that cannot be lost in any earthly disaster.—(Sons and Daughters of God, 188.){Pr 265.2}[22]
§47
真假祈祷之对比——那个可怜的税吏祈祷说：“上帝啊，开恩可怜我这个罪人”(路18:13)。他认为自己罪大恶极，别人也这样看他。但他却感觉到自己的需要，背负着自己的罪担，满怀羞愧地来到上帝面前，求祂怜悯。他敞开心门让圣灵施恩运行，救他脱离罪的权势。但法利赛人傲慢而自以为义的祷告，表明他向圣灵的感化是关闭心门的。他因为远离上帝，就感觉不到在上帝的圣洁纯全之前，自己是何等相形见绌。他既没有感觉需要，所以什么也得不到。（SC 30，31）{Pr 265.3}[23]
§48
Genuine and Counterfeit Prayers Contrasted—The poor publican who prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13), regarded himself as a very wicked man, and others looked upon him in the same light; but he felt his need, and with his burden of guilt and shame he came before God, asking for His mercy. His heart was open for the Spirit of God to do its gracious work and set him free from the power of sin. The Pharisee’s boastful, self-righteous prayer showed that his heart was closed against the influence of the Holy Spirit. Because of his distance from God, he had no sense of his own defilement, in contrast with the perfection of the divine holiness. He felt no need, and he received nothing.—(Steps to Christ, 30, 31.){Pr 265.3}[23]
§49
祷告有两种──形式的祷告和信心的祷告。只是口头上重复惯用的言词而心中不感觉需要上帝，那是拘于形式的祷告。……我们在一切祷告中，都要极其谨慎，由衷而发地说出心中的需要。一切华丽的辞藻，远不如一个圣洁的愿望有价值。最流畅的祷告若不能表达心中的真情，不过是一套虚浮重复之词而已。但那出乎至诚的祈祷，将心灵中简明的要求陈述出来，犹如向一位世上的朋友求助那样，希望得到所求的──这才是出于信心的祷告。那位去圣殿祷告的税吏，便是一个虔诚崇拜者的范例。他自觉是一个罪人。他最大的需要使他发出心中热切的愿望：“上帝啊，开恩可怜我这个罪人”（路18:13）。（ML 19）{Pr 265.4}[24]
§50
There are two kinds of prayer—the prayer of form and the prayer of faith. The repetition of set, customary phrases when the heart feels no need of God, is formal prayer.... We should be?extremely careful in all our prayers to speak the wants of the heart and to say only what we mean. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but vain repetitions if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted—this is the prayer of faith. The publican who went up to the temple to pray is a good example of a sincere, devoted worshiper. He felt that he was a sinner, and his great need led to an outburst of passionate desire, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”—(My Life Today, 19.)?{Pr 265.4}[24]
§51
圣经论到基督说：“耶稣极其伤痛，祷告更加恳切”（路22:44）。天上至尊者的这种恳求，与那献给上帝的微弱无心的祷告，是何等的对比啊。许多人满足于口头上的服务，只有少数人有真诚，恳切，爱慕上帝的心意。{Pr 266.1}[25]
§52
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.{Pr 266.1}[25]
§53
与上帝相交赋予心灵关于祂旨意的深邃知识。但是许多自称信奉真道的人竟不知道何为真正的悔改。他们没有藉着耶稣基督与天父交通的经验，也从未感到神圣恩典圣化人心的能力。他们虽祈祷和歌唱，歌唱和祈祷，他们的生活却充满了恶意、欺骗、猜忌、嫉妒和爱自己的心。这等人的祷告对上帝来说是可憎的。真实的祷告使用心灵之力，影响整个的人生。凡如此在上帝的面前倾吐自己缺乏的人，也感悟到天下一切的虚空。大卫说：“主啊！我的心愿都在祢面前；我的叹息不向祢隐瞒。”“我的心渴想上帝，就是永生上帝；我几时得朝见上帝呢？”“我追想这些事，我的心极其悲伤”（诗38:9；42:2,4）。（4T 534，535）{Pr 266.2}[26]
§54
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.”—(Testimonies for the Church 4:534, 535.){Pr 266.2}[26]