2月10日 有效祷告

“我曾耐性等候耶和华； 他垂听我的呼求。”【诗篇 40:1 】

有效的祷告来自完全的信心。圣经说，“所以我告诉你们，凡你们祷告祈求的，无论是什么，只要信是得着的，就必得着。”（马可福音 11:24 ）

贝葆柯（Maltbie Babcock）说，我们的祷告如果对上帝有意义，也必然对我们自己有意义。换句话说，如果我们的祷告毫无目的、毫无意义、夹杂着怀疑，当然得不到回应。祷告不仅仅是朝着上天的祈求和愿望，也是对上帝充满信心的表达。

这样热切的祷告，显示了一颗顺服的心。

圣经说，“并且我们一切所求的，就从他得着；因为我们遵守他的命令，行他所喜悦的事。”（约翰一书 3:22 ）

我认识一位比较富有的朋友，他拒绝给儿子买自行车，因为他儿子学习成绩相当差、还不肯做家务事、也没有完成其他该做的事情。对这样不听话、不知感恩的孩子，不买礼物给他当然是明智的。

圣经还说，“倘若不听从耶和华的话，违背他的命令，耶和华的手必攻击你们，像从前攻击你们列祖一样。”（撒母耳记上 12:15 ）

如果你希望上帝垂听你的祷告，你要彻底顺服他，祂才会听你的祈求。有效祷告的关键，就是要有一颗顺服的心。

今日祷告：

天父，感谢你听我的祷告。我愿耐心等候你的答案，知道你正在垂听。奉耶稣的名求，阿们。

February 10

OBEDIENCE-THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE PRAYER

I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1

Effective Prayer is offered in faith. The Bible says, “Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mark 11:24, italics mine).

Maltbie Babcock said, “Our prayers are to mean something to us if they are to mean anything to God.” It goes without saying that if our prayers are aimless, meaningless, and mingled with doubt they will go unanswered. Prayer is more than a wish turned heavenward… it is the voice of faith directed God-ward.

This kind of dynamic prayer emanates from an obedient heart.

The Bible says, “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22).

I know a wealthy father who refused to get his son a bicycle because the boy’s report card showed disgracefully low marks, a yard remained unraked, and other assignments had not been carried out. I am sure the father would not have been wise to lavish gifts upon such a disobedient and ungrateful son.

The Bible says, “But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall the hand of the Lord be against you…” (1 Samuel 12:15).

If you want to get your prayers through to God, surrender your stubborn will to Him, and He will hear your cry. Obedience is the master key to effective prayer.

Pray for the Day:

Father, I thank You that You hear my prayers.  I wait patiently for Your response.  I know that You are listening; in Jesus’ Name, Amen.