Amidst the pandemic, the attrition of church believers has reached a considerable magnitude, leaving only a limited number of congregations that exhibit growth.
In recent times, a pastor identified as Enming (pseudonym) from East China shared insights with the Christian Times, an online Chinese Christian newspaper. During these challenging periods, he underscored that the path ahead for the church involves a focus on prayer, particularly through entering the inner sanctum of prayer.
Responding to inquiries from devout individuals regarding their perceived absence of the Holy Spirit's power, Rev. Enming expounded that this predicament transcends individual circumstances, encapsulating an issue of the current era. The contemporary church finds itself on a downward trajectory due to the scarcity of the Holy Spirit's presence. Conversely, three or four decades prior, the Holy Spirit's work was abundant.
He postulated that the revitalization of the church hinges upon two fundamental factors: truth and prayer. While he didn't dissent from imbibing wisdom from scripture and grasping doctrinal truths, he emphasized that the acquisition of knowledge through scriptural study might inadvertently breed conceit, rather than ensuring spiritual advancement. Conversely, prayer possesses the transformative capacity to evolve an individual. As personal transformation unfolds, one's spiritual journey matures, aligning with the likeness of Jesus Christ, Enming expounded.
Placing profound significance on prayer, he asserted that a church immersed in extensive prayer would witness flourishing ministry. Conversely, a church that neglects prayer, despite apparent ministerial success, is inevitably destined for decline.
Furthermore, he expounded on the "Four Sensations of Prayer," offering a framework for self-assessment in one's prayer journey:
Initially, he highlighted that as a person commenced praying, feelings of guilt or obstruction, owing to one's transgressions, might surface. Upon confession, such accusations were nullified, paving the way for solace, serenity, and harmony with the divine will.
Certain individuals might experience physical sensations like warmth, perspiration, and spiritual ardor, enabling them to transcend their former selves and submit to God's will. In the end, prayer might turn into a solemn duty that comes with a realization of crucial obligations.
Enming proceeded to elucidate the process of engaging in inner room prayer:
Foremost, he emphasized that through the efficacy of Jesus' blood, absolution was granted, and a reinstated communion with God was established.
Following the experience of redemption, individuals ought to harbor faith in God's mercy, nurturing, and empathy, seeking the divine with a candid heart.
By delving into the scriptures and attaining tranquility of thought, individuals can discern their alignment with God's will.
Drawing upon the Holy Spirit's guidance and employing hymns, the gateway to inner sanctum prayer was traversed, Enming continued.
In conclusion, individuals should confess that "we belong to the Lord", despite prior transgressions in the eyes of God.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
疫情期间，大多数教会信徒流失率都非常高，只有一小部分教会依然保持着发展的态势。
日前，一华东代祷者恩明牧师（化名）与中国一网络基督教报纸基督时报分享，在这萧条的情况下，教会出路在于注重祷告，并且是进入内室的祷告。
面对有些信徒“为什么我就没有经历圣灵的能力”的提问，恩明牧师讲到，整体来说这不是个人的问题，是一个时代的问题。是这个时代的教会在走下坡路了，现在圣灵很少工作了。但在三四十年前，圣灵的工作是很多的。
他认为，教会的复兴有两个因素——真理和祷告。他不反对学习圣经和真理，但是问题是圣经学的好，灵性不一定好。很多时候学习的知识反而变成了骄傲的资本，这不是信仰该拥有的生命；而祷告是改变自己，自己改变后，信仰的生命就会长大，长成耶稣基督的身量。
恩明牧师非常注重祷告，说如果一个教会能在祷告上突破，那么它的事奉也会上来；反之，如果一个教会在祷告上跟不上的话，就算事奉上去了，最终还是会下来的。（==当summary）
他还分享了“祷告的四种感觉”来帮助我们查看自身目前所处的祷告阶段。因为有从罪而来的亏欠和魔鬼的攻击， 感到拦阻；认罪后，魔鬼就无法控告我们了。认罪后感到舒服、平安，和上帝的心意很通。
感受到能力:感到身体发热、脸上出汗、灵里开始燃烧，可以把自己的旧人放下来，完全顺服上帝的意思。
感到负担：重要的事情必须要去做一做，不做不行。
接着他分享如何做进入内室祷告。
靠主宝血：靠着耶稣的宝血我们的罪得以被赦免，认罪之后和上帝的关系会好起来。
凭着信心：相信上帝会怜悯你、眷顾你、体恤你;并存诚实的心寻求上帝。
摸着上帝的旨意：真道查验法（根据圣书/真理查看），心灵查验法（良心是否平安）。
靠着圣灵：能够进到内室祷告是圣灵的工作，认识到这点的话不会陷入到骄傲里面。
借着诗歌：学会唱各种各样的诗歌。
归属于主：虽然我们在上帝面前有罪，但是我们要一直告白“我是属于主的”。
对话|一代祷者谈：面对走下坡路，教会的出路在于祷告
Amidst the pandemic, the attrition of church believers has reached a considerable magnitude, leaving only a limited number of congregations that exhibit growth.
In recent times, a pastor identified as Enming (pseudonym) from East China shared insights with the Christian Times, an online Chinese Christian newspaper. During these challenging periods, he underscored that the path ahead for the church involves a focus on prayer, particularly through entering the inner sanctum of prayer.
Responding to inquiries from devout individuals regarding their perceived absence of the Holy Spirit's power, Rev. Enming expounded that this predicament transcends individual circumstances, encapsulating an issue of the current era. The contemporary church finds itself on a downward trajectory due to the scarcity of the Holy Spirit's presence. Conversely, three or four decades prior, the Holy Spirit's work was abundant.
He postulated that the revitalization of the church hinges upon two fundamental factors: truth and prayer. While he didn't dissent from imbibing wisdom from scripture and grasping doctrinal truths, he emphasized that the acquisition of knowledge through scriptural study might inadvertently breed conceit, rather than ensuring spiritual advancement. Conversely, prayer possesses the transformative capacity to evolve an individual. As personal transformation unfolds, one's spiritual journey matures, aligning with the likeness of Jesus Christ, Enming expounded.
Placing profound significance on prayer, he asserted that a church immersed in extensive prayer would witness flourishing ministry. Conversely, a church that neglects prayer, despite apparent ministerial success, is inevitably destined for decline.
Furthermore, he expounded on the "Four Sensations of Prayer," offering a framework for self-assessment in one's prayer journey:
Initially, he highlighted that as a person commenced praying, feelings of guilt or obstruction, owing to one's transgressions, might surface. Upon confession, such accusations were nullified, paving the way for solace, serenity, and harmony with the divine will.
Certain individuals might experience physical sensations like warmth, perspiration, and spiritual ardor, enabling them to transcend their former selves and submit to God's will. In the end, prayer might turn into a solemn duty that comes with a realization of crucial obligations.
Enming proceeded to elucidate the process of engaging in inner room prayer:
Foremost, he emphasized that through the efficacy of Jesus' blood, absolution was granted, and a reinstated communion with God was established.
Following the experience of redemption, individuals ought to harbor faith in God's mercy, nurturing, and empathy, seeking the divine with a candid heart.
By delving into the scriptures and attaining tranquility of thought, individuals can discern their alignment with God's will.
Drawing upon the Holy Spirit's guidance and employing hymns, the gateway to inner sanctum prayer was traversed, Enming continued.
In conclusion, individuals should confess that "we belong to the Lord", despite prior transgressions in the eyes of God.
- Translated by Abigail Wu
Addressing Decline by Emphasizing Prayer Within Church, Intercessor Says
