Cong Fang

你要知道所有關於神的知識，你要知道神是誰。但最重要的是與神在生命中相遇。更確切地說，是神與你相遇。是神把尋求祂的渴望放在你的心裡，並用祂的話語澆灌使你成長，然後在祂的時間裡使你遇到問題而向祂呼求。當你體驗到這位聖潔的神垂聽你的禱告的時候，你就會知道耶穌基督為你流血贖罪是真的（也許這時你才真正相信福音），因為神不聽罪人的禱告。當你發現到神的 “耳朵” 是多麼接近你的嘴巴的時候，你才明白你不是對空氣禱告。這時，你才認識祂是神。

編輯自：范泰爾《為真理辯護》第一章（王志勇牧師 譯）

       在亞當犯罪之前，上帝的法度造在了人的本性之中。只有當人遵行上帝的法度的時候，他才是按他自己的本性而行動，反之亦然。如果他要按自己的本性生活，他就是遵行上帝的法度。

       當人墮落的時候，人所想的其實就是在各個方面都脫離上帝而獨立行事，也就是說他喪失在真正的智慧。人為他自己設定了某種虛假的、錯誤的知識的模式。過去人是在上帝的引導下去解釋這個世界，現在他所尋求的是獨立對這個世界作出解釋，甚至試圖尋求涵蓋一切的知識，但這是與人的受造性相衝突的。

       在基督里，人被重新調整過來，恢復到真正的知識。在基督里，人認識到自己是上帝的受造物，他不必尋求全面性知識。基督就是我們的智慧。他是我們的智慧，不僅僅是說他告訴我們如何進天堂；他是我們的智慧，還在於他教導我們當知道的關於各樣事情的一切真知識。

What are the different types of prayer?

The Bible reveals many types of prayers and employs a variety of words to describe the practice. For example, 1 Timothy 2:1 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” Here, all four of the main Greek words used for prayer are mentioned in one verse.

Here are the main types of prayers in the Bible:

The prayer of faith: James 5:15 says, “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” In this context, prayer is offered in faith for someone who is sick, asking God to heal. When we pray, we are to believe in the power and goodness of God (Mark 9:23).

The prayer of agreement (also known as corporate prayer): After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples “all joined together constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14). Later, after Pentecost, the early church “devoted themselves” to prayer (Acts 2:42). Their example encourages us to pray with others.

The prayer of request (or supplication): We are to take our requests to God. Philippians 4:6 teaches, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Part of winning the spiritual battle is to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18).

The prayer of thanksgiving: We see another type of prayer in Philippians 4:5: thanksgiving or thanks to God. “With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Many examples of thanksgiving prayers can be found in the Psalms.

The prayer of worship: The prayer of worship is similar to the prayer of thanksgiving. The difference is that worship focuses on who God is; thanksgiving focuses on what God has done. Church leaders in Antioch prayed in this manner with fasting: “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off” (Acts 13:2-3).

The prayer of consecration: Sometimes, prayer is a time of setting ourselves apart to follow God’s will. Jesus made such a prayer the night before His crucifixion: “And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will’” (Matthew 26:39).

The prayer of intercession: Many times, our prayers include requests for others as we intercede for them. We are told to make intercession “for everyone” in 1 Timothy 2:1. Jesus serves as our example in this area. The whole of John 17 is a prayer of Jesus on behalf of His disciples and all believers.

The prayer of imprecation 詛咒: Imprecatory prayers are found in the Psalms (e.g., 7, 55, 69). They are used to invoke God’s judgment on the wicked and thereby avenge the righteous. The psalmists use this type of appeal to emphasize the holiness of God and the surety of His judgment. Jesus teaches us to pray for blessing on our enemies, not cursing (Matthew 5:44-48).

The Bible also speaks of praying in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:14-15) and prayers when we are unable to think of adequate words (Romans 8:26-27). In those times, the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.

Prayer is conversation with God and should be made without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). As we grow in our love for Jesus Christ, we will naturally desire to talk to Him.

http://www.gotquestions.org/types-of-prayer.html