2. Manna issue 96 - Spiritual Health: The Role of Prayer 屬靈健康：禱告的角色
Daniel Liew—Portsmouth, UK 英國樸茨茅斯
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL HEALTH 屬靈健康重要性
Mens sana in corpore sano:
"A healthy mind in a healthy body."
Or more colloquially, "Healthy body, healthy mind."
The idea is that our physical health and mental health are intertwined.
Nowadays, there is a great emphasis on supporting our physical and mental health
through good habits that promote well-being and improve quality of life.
Similarly, Paul recognized the benefits of bodily exercise.
However, he counseled that we should endeavor to exercise ourselves towards godliness,
which benefits us in this life and the life to come
(1 Tim 4:8).
精神健康在於身體健全：
“健康的身體才有健康的心靈。”
或者更通俗的說，“健康身體，健康心靈」。”
這個想法就是，我們的身體健康和心理健康是相互影響的。
今日，人們非常重視維持自已的身心健康，
經由好習慣可以促進幸福和提高生活品質。
同樣的，保羅認可鍛鍊身體有好處。
然而，他勸勉我們，應該要努力操練培養自己敬虔的態度，
這會給我們今生和來世都帶來好處
（提前 4：8）。
As believers, our spiritual health is of utmost importance.
If our spiritual health is good,
it positively impacts our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Furthermore, if we are spiritually well,
then even when facing physical illness or difficulties
that affect our emotional and mental state,
we can weather the storm.
Therefore, we must establish spiritual habits
that support and enhance our spiritual health.
One such habit is prayer.
身為信徒，我們靈命的健康是最重要的。
如果我們的靈命健康良好，
它會給我們的身體，心理和情緒的健康產生正面的影響。
此外，如果我們的靈命健康，
即使要面臨身體病痛或困難，
他們會影響我們的情緒和精神狀態，
我們就可以渡過風暴。
所以，我們必須養成屬靈的習慣，
可以幫助及增強自已靈命的健康。
其中一種習慣就是禱告。
The Benefits of Prayer for Spiritual Health 禱告帶來屬靈健康的益處
Jesus emphasized the importance of prayer in the life of a disciple,
and how it is the key to avoid entering into temptation or faltering in our faith
(Mk 13:33, 14:38).
Jesus led by example, often withdrawing into the wilderness to pray throughout His ministry
(Lk 5:16).
耶穌強調門徒生活中禱告的重要性，
以及它如何成為避免陷入誘惑或信心軟弱的關鍵
（可 13：33，14：38）。
耶穌以身作則，在他傳道過程中常常退到曠野禱告
（路 5：16）。
Prayer is a fundamental weapon God arms us with
as we battle external trials, temptations, and internal struggles.
Paul encourages us to be anxious for nothing.
No matter what we face, the first action is to offer prayer and supplication to God
(Phil 4:6).
Whether we need spiritual strength, wisdom, comfort, encouragement,
or anything else to help us uphold our faith,
we only have to ask and the Lord will provide us these good things
(Mt 7:11).
Paul also teaches us to offer prayers with thanksgiving.
To ask for something we need comes easily.
More challenging is being thankful in times of need.
禱告是神給我們裝備的基本武器，
在我們與外在的試驗，引誘和內心的掙扎爭鬥時。
保羅鼓勵我們應當一無掛慮。
無論面對什麼事，第一個行動就是向神禱告祈求
（腓 4：6）。
我們是否有需要屬靈的力量，智慧，安慰，鼓勵，
或任何其他事情，來幫助自已堅守信仰，
我們只要祈求，主就會給我們這些好事
（太 7：11）。
保羅也教導我們，要帶著感恩的心來禱告。
要祈求我們自已需要的事物，其實是很容易的。
更具挑戰性的是，在有困難需要的時候，能夠表達感恩的心。
Normally, we thank God when we recognize what He has done or is doing for us.
Whether it is seeing His will and guidance in a trial,
learning an important lesson from our circumstances,
or being delivered from trouble,
there is much to be thankful for when we take time to count His blessings, great and small.
Even amid a trial, we can be grateful for the opportunity to grow
(Jas 1:2–3).
Then, when we pray, it is not without hope.
Instead, we are buoyed by all the occasions God helped us previously;
we can pray with a thankful heart,
knowing He has proven Himself faithful to us and other brethren.
He can and will help us now and in times to come.
Therefore, when we couple requests with thanksgiving,
the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus
(Phil 4:7).
通常，當我們看出神為我們已經做的事，或是現在為我們所做的事時，就會感謝祂。
無論是在試煉中看見神的旨意和引導，
從我們的環境中學到重要的教訓，
或是擺脫困境，
當我們花時間數算祂大大小小的祝福時，就會有很多值得感激的事。
即使在試煉中，我們也可以因為成長的機會而感謝神
（雅 1：2-3）。
那麼，當我們禱告的時候，就不是沒有盼望了。
相反的，我們之前在各種情況因著神的幫助而得到鼓舞；
我們可以懷著感恩的心禱告，
知道祂已經自己忠於承諾給我們與其他的弟兄。
祂現在及以後的日子裡，都可以，也會幫助我們。
因此，當我們同時祈求並帶著感恩時，
7神所賜、出人意外的平安，
必在基督耶穌裡保守你們的心懷意念。
（腓 4:7）。
ESTABLISHING A LIFE OF PRAYER 建立禱告生活
Having considered some of the benefits of prayer,
we know we must strive to establish a life of prayer.
It only takes one prayer to start a prayer habit,
but maintaining a regular habit is fundamental to establishing a life of prayer.
Without consistency, we will have multiple "false starts"
and fail to make prayer a natural part of our lives.
想到到禱告的一些好處，
我們知道自已必須努力建立禱告的生活。
只需一次禱的告就可開始一種禱告的習慣，
但是保持規律的習慣是建立禱告生活的基礎。
若沒有持續下去，我們就會有很多次的“起跑失敗”，
就不能使禱告成為自已生活一種本能的習慣。
Thank God, my parents established a regular family altar when I was young.
They set the time and led the way.
However, when I moved away to university,
I had to take responsibility for my own prayer life.
I resolved to pray first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
The question was how long my prayer should be.
When praying with others, we can unconsciously pray longer,
spurred on by the other voices lifted in prayer.
However, praying alone can feel difficult.
I decided to set a timer: three minutes.
It seems almost laughable now,
but this felt like an immense task to someone without an independent prayer habit.
These days, a three-minute video on social media can seem relatively quick
—we barely pause before scrolling to another.
In contrast, the first few prayers felt like an eternity.
I kept checking the timer to ensure I had set it or to see how much time had elapsed.
I was easily distracted by the sound of people passing by my dormitory room,
afraid that someone might knock on my door to ask what I was doing
—upon reflection, an unlikely scenario.
Not being fully engaged made praying harder.
But I struggled through the first few days, persevering for the sake of my spiritual health.
Over the next couple of weeks, I got into a routine,
and prayer became a more normal part of my life.
感謝神，我父母在我很小的時候，就建立了一個有規律的家庭祭壇。
他們設定好時間，就帶著走。
然而，當我搬去大學去的時候，
我必須對自己的禱告生活負責。
我決定早上第一件事和晚上最後一件事都要祈禱。
問題是我的禱告應該要持續多久。
與別人一起禱告的時候，我們就會不知不覺禱告很長的時間，
受到其他人禱告聲的感動。
然而，獨自禱告可能會覺得很困難。
我決定設定計時器：三分鐘。
現在看來幾乎很可笑
但對於沒有獨立禱告習慣的人來說，這感覺像是一項很艱鉅的任務。
如今，社群媒體三分鐘的影片似乎感覺相對很快，
—我們幾乎沒有停下來就滑到另一頁了。
相對的，最初幾次的禱告感覺就像是永恆一樣。
我一直查看計時器，以確保我已經作好了設定，或看看已經過去了多少時間。
我很容易受到宿舍經過之人的聲音而分散了注意力，
害怕有人會敲我的門，問我是在做什麼事，
—經過反思之後，這是一個不太可能發生的情況。
由於沒有完全的投入，就會使禱告變得更加困難。
但是最初的幾天我很掙扎，為了自己屬靈的健康而堅持下去。
在經過接下來的幾周，我開始養成了習慣，
禱告成為了我生活中很正常的一部份。
Looking back, God helped me realize a few things: 回顧，神幫我明白一些事：
1. If we perceive something as difficult or burdensome,
we naturally become disinclined to do it.
When we feel this way, even the shortest time spent on the task can seem challenging.
However, adjusting our mentality and viewing it more positively
helps it to become as natural as breathing.
1. 如果我們認為某件事很困難或是很沉重，
我們自然會不願意做那件事。
當我們有這種感覺時，即使是花最少時間在這項任務上，也會感覺充滿挑戰。
不過，調整一下我們的心態，用更正向的角度去看待時，
就會幫助它變得像呼吸一樣自然。
2. The more we focus on the time when praying, the slower time passes.
This is not the manifestation of a superpower but rather a human weakness.
The idiom "a watched pot never boils,"
or in this case, "a watched timer never goes off," sums it up.
In contrast, the time flies by when we focus on drawing nearer to God and the subject of our prayer.
2. 禱告的時候我們更加注意時間，時間就會過得越慢。
這不是一種超能力的表現，而是展現人性的弱點。
俗話說“心急水不沸”，
或在這種情況時，“一直看鬧鐘就永不會響”，總結來說。
相較之下，當我們專心想要更親近神和自已禱告的主題時，時間就會過得很快。
3. We need to focus on the bigger picture.
It is unnecessary to berate ourselves if we miss a prayer
or feel guilty if we cannot pray for as long as we would like.
Life can be hectic, so at times we may offer a quick prayer before we set about the day's business,
or only have the energy to say a brief prayer before bed.
This should be the exception and not the norm.
The point is to make prayer an integral part of our life.
3.我們需要著眼於大局。
如果我們錯過了一次祈禱，沒有必要苛責自己，
或者，如果我們不能按自己的想法禱告長時間，就會感到內疚。
生活可能會很忙碌，所以有時我們在開始一天的工作之前，可以進行簡短的禱告，
或是睡前只有力氣做一個簡短的禱告。
這種情況應該只是例外，而不要變成常態。
重點是要讓禱告融入我們生活的一部分。
Looking back, I see how God encouraged me as I started my life of prayer.
A couple of weeks in, I attended an evening service,
and during the concluding prayer, I was suddenly filled with the Spirit.
I felt a firm yet gentle force bringing my hands up to clap and praise the Lord.
I had never experienced anything like this before,
and I wondered why this had happened.
Then I realized it was a signpost that said, "Keep going this way."
Establishing a prayer habit was the right thing to do.
Thank God for His love and encouragement!
God sees and knows when we are striving to grow in our faith,
and He is willing to support us every step of the way!
回想起來，當我開始禱告生活時，我看到神是如何鼓勵我的。
幾週後，我參加了一個晚間聚會，
在結束禱告時，我突然聖靈充滿。
我感覺有一股堅定而溫柔的力量，讓我舉起雙手鼓掌讚美主。
我以前從沒有體驗過這種事情，
我想知道為什麼會發生這種事情。
然後我就明白了這是一個路標，上面寫著“繼續走這條路”。
養成禱告的習慣是正確的做法。
感謝神的慈愛與鼓勵！
神看見並知道我們何時努力加強自已的信心時，
祂很願意幫助我們踏上道路的每一步！
Daniel's Example 但以理的榜樣
Daniel left behind a good example for us to learn from:
丹尼爾給我們留下了一個很好的榜樣：
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home.
And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem,
he knelt down on his knees three times that day,
and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.
(Dan 6:10)
現在，當但以理知道詔書已簽名，他就回家了。
在他樓上的房間裡，有窗戶朝耶路撒冷開著，
那天他跪下來禱告三次，
並在神面前禱告，感謝，就如他以前一直以來的習慣。
（但 6：10）
1. He set a time to pray. 他設定時間禱告。
Daniel prayed three times that day, as was his custom since the early days.
Whether "early days" refers to his pre-exile childhood
or the start of his captivity is unclear.
However, it is clear that it was a well-established habit from young, maintained throughout his life.
Three times a day could have been evening, morning, and noon
(Ps 55:17).
That is not to say we must rigidly follow Daniel's schedule.
Some pray in the morning and at night, while others pick one or the other.
Some may even pray more than three times a day.
The principle is that we should make time to pray.
The frequency and length of our prayers are parameters we decide for ourselves.
We know our routine, the best time to pray, and how long we can pray.
Establishing such a routine may even involve changing our lifestyle to accommodate slots for prayers.
It may mean waking up a little earlier or being more organized to save time and make time to pray.
It may mean less screen time
—be it phone scrolling, streaming platforms, or gaming
—so we can have more "face time" with God.
那天但以理禱告了三次，這是他以前一直以來的習慣。
無論“以前”是不是指的是他流亡前的童年，
或是他被俘的開始尚不清楚。
然而，很明顯的，這是他從小就養成的習慣，並且終生保持著。
一天三次可能是晚上，早上和中午
（詩 55：17）。
這並不是說，我們必須嚴格遵行但以理的安排表。
有些人在早上和晚上禱告，而有些人則選擇其中之一。
有些人甚至可能一天禱告超過三次。
原則就是我們應該騰出時間禱告。
我們禱告的頻率和長度是我們自己決定的參數。
我們知道自已的日常生活習慣，禱告的最佳時間，以及可以禱告多長時間。
建立這樣的習慣，甚至可能涉及需要改變自已的生活方式，以配合禱告的時間。
這可能代表早一點起床或更安排有序，以節省時間並騰出時間來禱告。
這可能代表更少看營幕的時間
—無論是滑手機，串流平台追劇或玩遊戲，
—這樣我們就可以與神有更多“面對面的時間”。
2. He set a place to pray. 他設定地點禱告。
Daniel went to the privacy of his upper room,
where he would be undisturbed, able to focus, and free to pray for as long as he wished.
Jesus taught us to go into our room and shut the door when we pray to our Father
(Mt 6:6).
The private space indicated here was
"a room in the interior of a house, normally without windows opening to the outside."[1]
While we may not be able to follow this literally,
the principle is that we must pick an environment conducive for prayer.
If we pray in a distracting environment or allow our mind to wander,
we cannot reap the benefits of setting aside time to pray.
但以理去了自已樓上的私人房間，
在那裡，他可以不受干擾，能夠集中注意力，並且只要他想要，可以自由自在的禱告。
耶穌教導我們，當我們向天父禱告時，要進入自己的房間並且關上門
（太 6：6）。
這裡私人空間指的是，
“房子內部的一個房間，通常沒有向外開的窗戶。”[1]
雖然我們可能無法從字面上理解這一點，
原則就是，我們必須選擇一個有利禱告的環境。
如果我們在一個分心的環境禱告，或讓自已神遊，
我們就無法得到空出時間禱告的好處。
3. He set a direction to pray. 他設定禱告的方向。
Daniel prayed towards Jerusalem through the open windows in his upper room.
This was likely by design, not coincidence.
When King Solomon dedicated the temple,
he prayed that if God’s people sinned and were delivered into exile,
and when the people realized their sin, repented,
and prayed towards the promised land, Jerusalem, and the temple,
God would hear their prayers and forgive the people
(1 Kgs 8:46–53).
Daniel evidently had a direction in his prayer.
Perhaps he prayed for himself or for God’s people to receive God’s mercy and deliverance.
In any case, he had various matters to pray for, just as we do.
We need to be clear who or what we are praying for.
Ultimately, we pray for God’s will to be realized in our lives.
但以理透過樓上房間打開的窗戶朝向耶路撒冷禱告。
這可能是有意為之，而不是巧合發生的。
當所羅門王奉獻聖殿的時候，
他祈禱說，如果神的子民犯罪並且被流放，
當百姓認識到自己犯罪並悔改時，
並朝向應許之地耶路撒冷和聖殿禱告，
神就會垂聽他們的禱告並寬恕百姓
（王上 8：46-53）。
但以理的禱告很明顯有一個方向。
也許他為自己或神的子民禱告，以得蒙神的憐憫和拯救。
無論如何，他和我們一樣，有各種事情需要禱告。
我們需要很清楚自已是為誰或為什麼事情禱告。
最終，我們祈求神的旨意可以在我們的生活中實現。
This depiction of Daniel’s life of prayer was against the backdrop of a decree
that no one should petition any god or man, other than the king, within thirty days.
Anyone found guilty of this crime would be cast into the lion’s den.
Daniel knew this decree tested his faith and obedience to God.
However, he did not give up his habit but continued to trust in God through prayer.
In fact, his prayerful nature and faithfulness to God
were why he was delivered from the lions’ mouths.
His example is one of many showing that prayer is the key to forging a way onward with God’s help.
但以理禱告生活的描述就是違背一項法令背景的情況下進行的，
在三十天之內，除國王之外，沒有人可以向任何神或人祈求。
任何被發現犯了此罪的人都會被丟進獅子窩。
但以理知道這項法令考驗他對神的信心和順服。
然而，他並沒有放棄這個習慣，而是繼續透過禱告信靠神。
事實上，他的禱告的本質和對神的信心，
就是為何他可從獅口中得救的原因。
他的例子是眾多例子之一，表示禱告就是在神的幫助下開闢前進道路的關鍵。
PRAYER AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH 禱告與靈命成長
Spiritual growth is the aim of spiritual cultivation and cannot be achieved without prayer.
靈命成長就是靈修的目標，沒有禱告就無法實現。
Show me Your ways, O LORD;Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
(Ps 25:4–5)
4耶和華啊，求你將你的道指示我，將你的路教訓我！
5求你以你的真理引導我，教訓我，
因為你是救我的神。
我終日等候你。
（詩 25：4-5）
We desire for the Lord to teach us and lead us on His paths so we can receive His salvation.
Part of how God saves us is through the renewing of the Holy Spirit
(Tit 3:5).
Jesus teaches us to pray for the Helper,
the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth,
teaching and helping us to remember God’s word to aid our spiritual growth
(Jn 16:13, 14:26).
Prayer is how we become filled with the Spirit,
who strengthens and renews us to be more spiritually minded.
The more time we spend with God,
the closer we draw to Him and the more sensitive we become to His words and His will.
我們渴望主教導我們，帶領我們走在祂的路上，好讓我們得到祂的救恩。
神拯救我們的局部方式就是透過聖靈的更新
（多 3：5）。
耶穌教導我們祈求降臨保惠師，
就是聖靈，會引導我們明白一切的真理，
教導幫助我們記住神的話語，以幫助我們的靈命成長
（約 16：13，14：26）。
禱告是我們如何得到聖靈充滿，
祂會加強及更新我們的力量，使我們更有屬靈的想法。
我們與神相處花越多的時間，
我們就更加接近祂，自已就會對祂的話語和祂的旨意更加敏感。
As we seek to put God’s word into practice and align ourselves with His will,
we will invariably encounter external and internal challenges.
Sometimes, we are plagued with doubts over whether we can change, grow spiritually,
or overcome obstacles on the way to heaven;
such doubts weaken our resolve.
Prayer enables us to put those fears to rest and gain strength to carry on.
When Paul was undergoing tribulations in the ministry,
he knew the believers might lose heart to keep progressing in their faith.
So he prayed that they would "be strengthened with might through the Spirit in the inner man"
(Eph 3:16).
The "inner man" could refer to the heart or the spiritual self,
but the sentiment is clear:
we need the Holy Spirit’s help to strengthen our resolve.
As we continue in our prayer life,
God's love is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit
(Rom 5:5).
Being filled and moved by His love,
we become more confident in the heavenly hope we have been given.
It becomes an anchor.
Being filled with the Spirit confirms that Jesus wants to save us
and bring us to our heavenly home.
This motivates and strengthens us to draw closer to God and obey His words.
當我們努力實踐神的話語，並且遵行祂的旨意時，
我們不可避免的就會遇到外部和內部的挑戰。
有時候，我們會充滿懷疑自己能否能夠改變，能否能夠靈命成長，
或克服通往天國道路上的障礙；
這種疑惑會削弱自已的決心。
祈禱可使我們能夠消除這些恐懼，並且獲得繼續前進的力量。
保羅傳道中經歷患難時，
他知道信徒可能會灰心，讓繼續信仰進步。
因此他祈求，他們內心“藉著聖靈，的力量得以剛強起來”
（弗 3：16）。
“內心”可指的是心智或屬靈的自我，
但這種想法很清楚：
我們需要聖靈的幫助來堅定自已的決心。
當我們繼續自已的禱告生活時，
神的慈愛就會藉著聖靈澆灌在我們心裡
（羅 5：5）。
得到祂慈愛的充滿，並且受到感動，
我們對於自已受到恩賜屬天的盼望就會更有信心。
它就會成為一個心錨。
得到聖靈充滿就證實了耶穌想要拯救我們，
並且帶我們到自已的天家。
這會激勵並加強我們去更加親近神，且遵守祂的話語。
It can be discouraging when we are overcome by our weaknesses.
But, again, prayer is the answer:
當我們輸給自己的軟弱時，就可能會灰心。
但是，再次強調，禱告就是答案：
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Heb 4:15–16)
15因我們的大祭司並非不能體恤我們的軟弱。
他也曾凡事受過試探，與我們一樣，只是他沒有犯罪。
16所以，我們只管坦然無懼的來到施恩的寶座前，
為要得憐恤，蒙恩惠，作隨時的幫助。
（來 4：15-16）
Jesus knows and understands our weaknesses and faith struggles.
He manifested in the flesh and faced the same kinds of temptations we do.
The only difference is that He was without sin,
which is why He is best placed to support us.
He is the victor leading us to victory over sin and doubt,
and the path to victory is paved with prayer.
So, we must come before the throne of grace
to obtain mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.
耶穌知道且了解我們的軟弱和信仰的掙扎。
祂經過肉身的顯現，也面臨過我們所面對同樣的引誘。
唯一的差別就是他沒有犯罪，
這就是為什麼，他是最適合來支持我們的。
祂是得勝者，帶領我們戰勝罪惡和懷疑，
勝利的道路是由禱告而鋪成的。
所以，我們必須來到施恩座前
方可獲得憐憫和恩典，在我們有需要的時候來幫助自已。
After we receive the Holy Spirit, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses
(Rom 8:26).
Even when we do not know what we need,
the Spirit intercedes according to the will of God for us
(Rom 8:27).
As we pray in tongues, we speak mysteries relating to the things of God and His kingdom
(Mt 13:11),
which in turn edify us
(1 Cor 14:4).
This is part of the renewal process of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit brings God’s word to our mind and teaches us what to do.
當我們得到聖靈之後，在我們軟弱時聖靈會幫助
（羅 8：26）。
即使我們不知道自己需要什麼東西，
聖靈按著神的旨意為我們代求
（羅 8：27）。
當我們用靈言禱告時，我們說出有關神與祂國度事情的奧秘
（太 13：11），
這就反過來又造就我們
（林前 14：4）。
這是聖靈更新過程的一部分。
聖靈將神的話語放入我們的心中，並且教導我們要做什麼事。
Fasting Prayers 禁食禱告
When pursuing spiritual growth,
it is sometimes beneficial to engage in fasting prayers,
which allow us to humble or afflict ourselves before God,
prioritizing our relationship with Him over physical sustenance.
We can fast and pray when we need spiritual power and guidance
to overcome a great difficulty
or to show remorse when repenting and seeking forgiveness.
We can also fast and pray to understand God’s words better
or receive spiritual strength and wisdom to serve the Lord
(Mt 17:21).
追求靈命成長時，
有時候進行禁食禱告是有益的，
這使我們可以在神面前謙卑下來或體會受苦，
優先處理與祂的關係先於維持生計之前。
當我們需要屬靈的力量和指引時，就可以禁食和祈禱，
克服巨大的困難，
或是要悔改和尋求寬恕時表現出懊悔。
我們也可以禁食禱告來更明白神的話語，
或是去求得屬靈的力量和智慧來事奉主
（太 17：21）。
The primary fasting method is to abstain from food or drink for a pre-determined period
and dedicate that extra time and focus to prayer.
The Bible depicts two "levels" of fasting.
主要的禁食方法是在預定的時間內來禁食或禁水，
並投入額外的時間和精力投入來禱告。
聖經描述了兩種禁食的“程度”。
1. Full fasting: no food and drink for a period
(Est 4:16).
1.全部斷食：一段時間不吃不喝
（帖 4：16）。
Rinsing the mouth with water or taking little sips may be permissible for longer durations,
but not to fill the stomach with water.
用水漱口或是可能允許小口飲水，好持續較長的時間，
但不是要讓胃內喝滿水。
2. Semi-fasting: simple food and drink for a period
(Dan 10:2–3).
2.半斷食：一段時間的簡單飲食
（但 10：2-3）。
This is to deprive ourselves of pleasure and enjoyment
to engage in a more ascetic (i.e., more disciplined, less indulgent) lifestyle for spiritual cultivation.
這是去剝奪我們自己的娛樂和享受，
去採取更加禁慾式（即更加自律、更少放縱）的生活方式來進行靈修。
Whatever level of restriction we self-impose,
the ultimate aim is to pray and spend more time with God.
無論我們是如何加諸何種程度的自我限制，
最終的目標就是要禱告，並花費更多時間與神相處。
No matter who or what we fast and pray for,
there are a few principles we should bear in mind:
無論我們是為了誰或是為了什麼事來禁食禱告，
有幾個原則我們應該要留意：
1. Always fast for a purpose. 總要有目的禁食
When a local church organizes a group fasting prayer for members to join,
some may participate because it is a scheduled activity or because others are doing it.
However, we must understand why we are fasting and what we are praying for.
If we lack focus, then we are just going through the motions.
Biblical examples of those who practiced fasting prayer,
such as Esther, Daniel, and Jesus, all did so with a purpose.
當地方教會發起集體禁食禱告並邀請信徒加入時，
有些人可能會參加，因為這是一項安排好的活動，或者因為有其他人正在這麼作。
然而，我們必須了解，自已為何要禁食以及我們為了什麼事而禱告。
如果我們缺乏注意力，那麼我們就只是作作樣子而已。
那些聖經裡進行禁食禱告之人的例子，
例如以斯帖，但以理和耶穌，他們這樣做都是帶有目標的。
2. Dedicate more time to pray. 投入更多時間禱告
Fasting prayers are when we forego eating and drinking to make more time to pray.
Fasting without praying is just not eating.
Practically, it is better to pick occasions
when we can realistically fast and make more time to pray.
禁食禱告就是我們放棄飲食而空出更多時間來禱告。
禁食而沒有禱告，就只是不吃東西而已。
實際上，最好要選擇場合，
當我們可以實際真正禁食，並騰出更多時間禱告的時候。
3. Do not do it for show. 不要表演禱告
In Matthew 6:16–18,
Jesus teaches us not to be gloomy-faced
and draw attention to the fact that we are fasting.
Some may enjoy the esteem that comes with such sacrifice
or become proud that they can do what others cannot.
This mentality is not in line with the spirit of fasting prayer.
Rather, we should make ourselves presentable so others are none the wiser.
在馬太福音 6 章 16-18 節中，
耶穌教導我們不要滿臉憂悶，
並且加強注意力集中在我們正在禁食的事情。
有些人可能會很享受這種付出所帶來的敬重，
或是感到驕傲，因為他們可以做到別人做不到的事情。
這種心態並不符合禁食禱告的精神。
相反的，我們應該讓自己儀容整潔，這樣別人都不會知道。
4. Do not lead a double life. 不要過著雙重的生活
Committing to a fasting prayer means devoting time to God and our faith.
Therefore, we should not behave in a manner contrary to our faith.
God rebuked the Israelites
because He saw through their superficial piety of making sacrifices and fasting
and perceived their underlying iniquity and wickedness towards God and man
(Isa 1:13, 58:3–7).
This kind of fasting prayer does not please God.
竭力禁食禱告代表花時間獻給神和自已的信仰。
因此，我們不應該做出違背自已信仰的行為。
神斥責以色列人，
因為他看透了他們獻祭和禁食表面上的虔誠，
並且察覺到他們對神和人潛藏內心的罪孽和邪惡
（賽 1：13，58：3-7）。
這種禁食禱告並不討神喜悅。
CONCLUSION 結論
Even if we take perfect care of our physical health,
it will invariably decline one day.
That is undesirable and unavoidable.
Paul encourages us that while outwardly we are perishing,
the inward man should be renewed daily
(2 Cor 4:16).
Therefore, allowing our spiritual health to decline is undesirable but avoidable.
One way to nurture and support our spiritual health
is to establish a prayerful life, draw closer to our God, and draw from God’s help.
Though the path to life is narrow and difficult
(Lk 13:24; Mt 7:13–14),
Jesus is willing and able to guide and strengthen us throughout this journey.
So let us remember the words of Elder Peter:
即使我們完美照顧自己的身體健康，
不變的是總有一天會身體衰落的。
這是種況沒人希望，但也不可避免。
保羅鼓勵我們，雖然我們外表上正在腐壞，
內心卻應當要日日更新
（林後 4：16）。
因此，讓自已的靈命健康衰弱是不受歡迎的，但卻是可以加以避免的。
有一種培養和支持自已屬靈健康的方法，
就是建立起禱告的生活，更靠近我們的神，並且得到神的幫助。
雖然人生的道路很狹窄且很艱難，
（路 13：24；太 7：13-14），
耶穌有此意願，並且亦能夠帶領和加強我們的力量走過整個旅程。
因此，讓我們記住彼得長老的話語：
But the end of all things is at hand;
therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.
(1 Pet 4:7)
7萬物的結局近了。
所以，你們要謹慎自守，儆醒禱告。
（彼前 4：7）
Prayer is something we need to prioritize and take seriously.
It is a time for communing with God and for reflection and self-evaluation,
preventing a decline into spiritual infirmity.
This is how a healthy life of prayer leads to a healthy spiritual life.
禱告是我們需要優先安排並且認真對待的事情。
這是與神相交的時刻，可以反省和自我評量，
防止靈命軟弱衰退。
這就是有健全禱告生活如何帶來健康的屬靈生命的方法。
[1] JP Louw, and EA Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament:
Based on Semantic Domains, Volume 1
(New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 84.
[1] JP Louw 和 EA Nida，《新約希臘-英語詞典》：
基於語意學領域，第 1 冊
（紐約：聯合聖經公會，1996 年），84。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
留言列表
