 When we do well, typically we credit our ability and personality, when in fact, our success is more likely due to outside factors. We think we are capable and self-sufficient. We believe we are captains of our ships, masters of our fate—until catastrophe strikes.
We tend to neglect prayer until we are desperate. But when we don’t get the answers we want, we think prayers don’t work. Prayer is conversation with God, not trying to exercise a force. Prayer should focus on “May His will be done.” It should ask God to let us know His will for us and give us the power to obey. When Jesus prayed, He looked up towards heaven (John 11:41; 17:1). He might have been sensing His Father’s power. But when we pray, typically we face down. Are we focusing on our problems and our inadequacy? Instead of focusing on our weakness, when we pray, look up to God’s power, His greatness and abundance. Look up to the throne of grace for us all. Because of Christ, we can look up to the Almighty with confidence so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us anytime (Hebrew 4:16). We might have many problems facing us, but we can ask God with confidence for what we need—for what we need today. With God’s help, we can solve each problem if we face it—one step at a time, one moment at a time. Again, in prayer, ask God to reveal His will to you, and ask God to give you the power to carry it out. Be still and quietly listen. Allow thoughts to come into your mind; they may be from God. Take prayer breaks in the beginning of the day, throughout the day, and at the end of the day. Keep approaching the throne of grace (Psalm 119:55). We are not that capable, and life is unpredictable. But our redeemer lives (Job 19:25). He is just a prayer away. Summarized from a John Ortberg’s sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBLG7oQmKBM https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5559/mlo 祷告 通常我们会把我们干得好的原因归于自己的能力和个性。实际上，我们的成功更多取决于 外部因素。 我们认为我们很有能力, 可以自给自足。我们觉得自己是船长，是命运的主人，直至到灾难来临。 在艰难的情况时，我们往往多多对神多些祷告。但当我们没有得到想要的答案时，我们会觉得祈祷没有用。 祷告是与上帝交谈, 不是使用某种能力。 祷告应该集中于“願上帝的旨意行在地上， 如同行在天上。” 所以应当要求上帝告诉我们祂对我们的旨意，并赐给我们执行的能力。 当耶稣祈祷时，祂抬起头仰望天父 （约翰福音11:41, 17：1）。 耶稣可能感受到天父的能力和良善。但当我们祈祷时，我们通常会让面朝下。我们是否在关注我们的问题和自己的不足？ 不要专注于我们的弱点。祈祷时, 仰望上帝的力量, 祂的伟大和丰富。仰望上帝恩典的宝座。由于基督，我们可以充满信心地仰望上帝, 以致我们可以得憐恤和蒙恩惠，给我们隨時的幫助 （希伯来书4:16）。 我们可能面临许多问题。 充满信心地向上帝祈求我们今天的需要。在上帝的帮助下，逐步来面对每一个问题, 一步一步地解决它。 求神让我们知道祂对我们的旨意, 也求神赐给我们执行的能力。静静地听。让思想进入我们的脑海，这可能是来自上帝的想法。也求上帝赐给我们执行的能力。 每天不断地祷告。常常接近祂的恩典宝座（诗篇119：55）。 不要认为我们很有能力。而生命是无法预测的。但记住，我们的救主是活着的（约伯记19:25）。祈祷吧。 Comments are closed.
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