Cong Fang

西方教会有好的传统，但没有动力。
华人教会有动力，但没有好的传统。

如果父母不重视圣洁的教育，
儿女就不知道什么是圣洁的生活。
如果家庭没有圣洁的观念，
教会就没有圣洁的传统。

亚伯蒙悦纳是因为有信（来 11:4）。
该隐不蒙悦纳是因为行得不好（创 4:7）。

事实上亚伯和该隐都是罪人（罗 3:10）。罪人的所有行为在神面前都是污秽的衣服（赛 64:6）。罪人本来就不可能行得好，关键是亚伯有信，他的行为是出于信心，而该隐的行为不是出于信心。One is relationship, the other is religion. One worships in heart, the other worships in sacrifices. “神是个灵，所以拜他的必须用心灵 spirit 和诚实 truth 拜他”（约 4:24）。

信心是神的恩典。神赐下信心给亚伯，然后看中了亚伯和他的供物（创 4:4）。人非有信就不能得神的喜悦（来 11:6）。神没有赐下信心给该隐，所以看不中该隐和他的供物。神并没有因为该隐没有信心而定他的罪，而是因着他的行为，因为 “不信的人罪已经定了”（约 3:18）。

你要知道所有关于神的知识，你要知道神是谁。但最重要的是与神在生命中相遇。更确切地说，是神与你相遇。是神把寻求祂的渴望放在你的心里，并用祂的话语浇灌使你成长，然后在祂的时间里使你遇到问题而向祂呼求。当你体验到这位圣洁的神垂听你的祷告的时候，你就会知道耶稣基督为你流血赎罪是真的（也许这时你才真正相信福音），因为神不听罪人的祷告。当你发现到神的 “耳朵” 是多么接近你的嘴巴的时候，你才明白你不是对空气祷告。这时，你才认识祂是神。

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 诅咒: 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.