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經文：「教會卻為他切切的禱告神。」（徒12:5） 禱告是我們與神交流的連結，是一座跨過深淵的橋樑，能帶領我們經過危險與缺乏。 請看，使徒時代的教會是多麼美麗：彼得被囚在監裡，猶太人大奏凱歌；希律王執著於他的權力；殉道場渴望著使徒的血....，總總都在和教會敵對。可是他們「卻....切切地禱告神」，結果如何？監門大開，使徒得自由，猶太人失敗，惡王被蟲咬死，神的道日漸興旺，越發廣傳。 禱告是我們的屬靈兵器，但是我們真的知道這兵器的能力嗎？我們敢不敢用信心的權柄來使用這兵器；不只是求，而是命令呢？願神賜給我們這樣的勇敢與信心！神此刻所要用的，並不是一些偉人，乃是一些敢證明神的偉大的人。--信宣 A. B. Simpson 禱告的時候也需要小心，注意不要限制神的能力。不僅是不信會限制神的能力，自以為知道神所能做的，也會限制祂的能力。應當期望那超過我們一切所求所想的；在每一次禱告之前，先安靜想一想神所能做的，再想一想自己在基督裡的地位。--慕安得烈 Andrew Muray 我們的禱告是神的機會。 親愛的讀者，你感到悲傷麼？禱告能使你的痛苦變為喜樂。你感到快樂麼？禱告能將你的快樂再加上一陣屬天的香氣。你正被仇敵內外夾擊而處境危險麼？禱告能使你得到天使的幫助；祂的一摸能使磨石粉碎，祂的一瞥能將全軍擊倒。且讓我告訴你禱告究竟能帶給我們甚麼吧：能給予一切神能為你做的。神說：「你願我賜你甚麼，你可以來求。」（王上3:5）--法勒爾 Farrar 新譯｜荒漠甘泉讀書會
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Scripture: "But prayer" (Acts 12:5). But prayer is the link that connects us with God. This is the bridge that spans every gulf and bears us over every abyss of danger or of need. How significant the picture of the Apostolic Church: Peter in prison, the Jews triumphant, Herod supreme, the arena of martyrdom awaiting the dawning of the morning to drink up the apostle's blood, and everything else against it. "But prayer was made unto God without ceasing." And what was the sequel? The prison open, the apostle free, the Jews baffled, the wicked king eaten of worms, a spectacle of hidden retribution, and the Word of God rolling on in greater victory. Do we know the power of our supernatural weapon? Do we dare to use it with the authority of a faith that commands as well as asks? God baptize us with holy audacity and Divine confidence! He is not wanting great men, but He is wanting men who will dare to prove the greatness of their God. But God! But prayer! --A. B. Simpson Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think. Each time you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, of how He delights to hear Christ, of your place in Christ; and expect great things. --Andrew Murray Our prayers are God's opportunities. Are you in sorrow? Prayer can make your affliction sweet and strengthening. Are you in gladness? Prayer can add to your joy a celestial perfume. Are you in extreme danger from outward or inward enemies? Prayer can set at your right hand an angel whose touch could shatter a millstone into smaller dust than the flour it grinds, and whose glance could lay an army low. What will prayer do for you? I answer: All that God can do for you. "Ask what I shall give thee." --Farrar ｜ Mrs. Charles Cowman
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