November 2

“But prayer” (Acts 12:5)

But prayer is the link that connects us with God. This is the bridge that spans every gulf¹ and bears us over every abyss of danger or of need.

How significant the picture of the Apostolic Church: Peter in prison, the Jews triumphant², Herod supreme³, the arena⁴ 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 audacity⁵ 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 intercede⁶, 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 celestial⁷ 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."(1 kings 3:5) ━Farrar

“Wrestling prayer can wonders do,

Bring relief in deepest straits;

Prayer Can force a passage through,

Iron bars and brazen⁸ gates.”

十一月二日

「教会却为他切切的祷告神。」 （徒十二:5）

祷告是我们与神交接的连索，是一座跨过深渊的桥梁，是带领我们经过危险、缺乏的。

使徒时代的教会多么美丽：彼得被囚在监里，犹太人大奏凯旋；希律执着无上的权力；殉道场期待着使徒的血….每一件事情都和他们作对。可是他们「却…切切祷告神。」结果怎样呢？监门开了，使徒自由了，犹太人失败了，恶王被虫咬死了，神的道日见兴旺，越发广传。

祷告是我们属灵的兵器。我们知不知道这兵器的能力呢？我们敢不敢用信心的权柄来使用这兵器━不只求，并且命令━呢？愿神给我们胆量！给我们信心！神现在所要的，并不是一些伟人，乃是一些敢证明神的伟大的人。

━宣信

在你祷告的时候，你要小心，不要限制神的能力━不仅不信能限制神的能力，自以为知道神所能做的也能限制神的能力。你当期望那不能期望的━超过我们一切所求所想的。你每一次祷告，当先安静──想一想祂所能做的，想一想你在基督里的地位。━慕安得烈

我们的祷告是神的机会。

亲爱的，你悲伤么？祷告能叫你的痛苦变成喜乐。你快乐么？祷告能在你的欢乐上替你加上一阵属天的香味。你被内外的仇敌攻击得非常危险么？祷告能叫你得到天使的帮助━他的一摸能使磨石粉碎，他的一瞥能将全军打倒。祷告究竟能给你一些甚么呢？让我回答你：能给你一切神能为你做的。神说：「你愿我赐你甚么，你可以来求。」（王上三:5）━法勒尔

热心祷告能造成奇迹,

每每使你逢凶化吉,

热心祷告能开辟生路,

甚之穿过铜墙铁壁。

1 gulf   

n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂

参考例句：

• The gulf between the two leaders cannot be bridged.两位领导人之间的鸿沟难以跨越。
• There is a gulf between the two cities.这两座城市间有个海湾。

2 triumphant   

adj.胜利的，成功的；狂欢的，喜悦的

参考例句：

• The army made a triumphant entry into the enemy's capital.部队胜利地进入了敌方首都。
• There was a positively triumphant note in her voice.她的声音里带有一种极为得意的语气。

3 supreme   

adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的

参考例句：

• It was the supreme moment in his life.那是他一生中最重要的时刻。
• He handed up the indictment to the supreme court.他把起诉书送交最高法院。

4 arena   

n.竞技场，运动场所；竞争场所，舞台

参考例句：

• She entered the political arena at the age of 25. 她25岁进入政界。
• He had not an adequate arena for the exercise of his talents.他没有充分发挥其才能的场所。

5 audacity   

n.大胆，卤莽，无礼

参考例句：

• He had the audacity to ask for an increase in salary.他竟然厚着脸皮要求增加薪水。
• He had the audacity to pick pockets in broad daylight.他竟敢在光天化日之下掏包。

6 intercede   

vi.仲裁，说情

参考例句：

• He was quickly snubbed when he tried to intercede.当他试着说情时很快被制止了。
• At a time like that there has to be a third party to intercede.这时候要有个第三者出来斡旋。

7 celestial   

adj.天体的；天上的

参考例句：

• The rosy light yet beamed like a celestial dawn.玫瑰色的红光依然象天上的朝霞一样绚丽。
• Gravity governs the motions of celestial bodies.万有引力控制着天体的运动。

8 brazen   

adj.厚脸皮的，无耻的，坚硬的

参考例句：

• The brazen woman laughed loudly at the judge who sentenced her.那无耻的女子冲着给她判刑的法官高声大笑。
• Some people prefer to brazen a thing out rather than admit defeat.有的人不愿承认失败，而是宁肯厚着脸皮干下去。