2012年2月28日星期二

Prayer Request 2/28 - 3/5

Tuesday
Jeremy Lin's success in both sports and academics (Harvard graduate) again raises questions about China's state-run system of sports academies that has produced scores of Olympic gold medal winners by relentlessly training athletes from an early age while offering them little chance of a normal childhood or proper education. Countless athletes from China have "retired" with no financial support, no marketable skills, absolutely nothing. Many Chinese parents will be thinking about how to raise their children to be both smart and famous one day. May the Lord continue to remind us all that it is much more important that we and our children love the Lord than that we are well-known. Let us commit all the young people in the churches in China to the Lord and ask Him to make Jeremy Lin's story an inspiration to all of them not to aspire to be just famous but to be bold in giving God all of the glory for it.

Wednesday
The current condition of all the major church groups in Henan Province is rather sad and dismal because they have all suffered major blows both internally and externally. Today the churches in Henan are trying to rebuild through much emphasis on evangelism. We pray along with them asking our merciful Lord to show His glory once again there that the vibrancy of the churches will be restored.

Thursday
In the past, the churches in Henan had a period of phenomenal growth and for this we praise God! Believers increased in the past sixty years from 70,000 in 1949 to 17 million today. We pray for revival among the believers in Henan. May the Lord stir up their love for Jesus, not just licking their wounds or pitying themselves, but looking up to the God Who performs miracles and gives revival to His churches.

Friday
It is common to see Chinese young people spending money to "give them face", that is making purchases with the sole intention of vanity or making them look good. According to a survey, those who are in their 30's are the main ones who buy automobiles now and half of those who are in their 20's are buying or planning to buy one. Many Christian parents feel they have little spiritual influence on their grown children who are striving to make money and are drifting away from the church and God. Let us lift up all the believers who pray sincerely for their children not to be merely rich materially but more importantly to be rich spiritually.

Saturday
"Vanity purchases" are those things which are bought not based on practicality or need but rather to show off. Young Chinese who cannot afford to buy expensive things will spend money to buy a bag or anything else from a store selling designer brands so it looks as if they have shopped there. We need to pray for deeper spiritual growth for China's young believers as well as for the churches to be able to nurture them in this very superficial world. We pray there will be more godly men and women who will be their role models in serving God and others.

Sunday
Materialism, consumerism, and the worship of wealth seem to permeate the whole of China today. Everyone is caught up in making money and Christians are no exception. It is little wonder that Chinese believers are no longer on fire for Jesus as they once were. We persist in beseeching the Lord with faith for those brothers and sisters who still follow closely with God and quietly serve in the church. May the Lord strengthen them and use them to encourage many others to serve Him wholeheartedly.

Monday
Churches in China are going through a critical transition and many of them have fallen into a state of lukewarmness. The major reasons for such a decline are the lack of teaching the truth in the pulpit, the pervasiveness of secularism, attacks of the occult, and division among the churches. We must redouble our efforts in praying for these spiritual illnesses of the church in China. May the Lord revive each of us as we pray for leaders in the church who are humble and faithful in proclaiming God's truth.



星期二
林書豪體智兼優(哈佛大學畢業)的成就,再次引發對中國國營運動員訓練方式的討論。中國運動員是從小挑選,日以繼夜的集中訓練,惟一目標就是要奪得奧運金牌。這些運動員沒有正常的童年生活,也無完整的教育。退役之後,不但沒一技之長,且落得一身病痛。中國父母都期望孩子既聰明又能光宗耀祖。求主藉林書豪的故事,時常提醒我們,孩子更愛主是最寶貴的事,能勇敢地將一切榮耀歸給神,才是人生最有價值的事,而不是成名致富。

星期三
當今河南地區的各大教會系統到內外的嚴峻的挑戰,各處呈現著一片荒涼的景象。信徒們正嘗試著重建教會,希望藉著禱告和傳福音,把這倒塌的帳幕重新樹立起來。我們也在禱告中切切記念他們,求那滿有憐憫、豐盛的神,再次在河南教會中燃起復興的火炬,彰顯祂自己的榮耀。

星期四
河南省從1949年的7萬多基督徒,發展到如今1700多萬人,六十年中增長的速度非常驚人,我們為此感謝天父。我們禱告求主憐憫當地的教會,復興河南信徒靈命,幫助他們拾回起初的愛心,重新出發;堅固切實愛主耶穌、愛弟兄姊妹的心志,摒棄自悲自憐的心態,不看自己的不足與貧困,以信心仰望恩主的信實應許,再次為他們行奇蹟做大事,復興祂自己的教會。

星期五
在不少中國年輕人中,所謂的「面子消費」已經司空見慣。一項調查顯示,「80後」正成為汽車消費市場的新生力量。半數的「90後」、「80後」在30歲之前已買了車或有買車的打算。許多信徒父母為自己對兒女薄弱的屬靈影響力憂傷。他們的孩子事業有成,但卻失去屬靈的胃口,更遠離了從小就認識的真神。讓我們堅固這些家庭向主所發出的懇切禱告-保守他們的子女不僅是在物質上富有,更願意看重並追求屬靈的豐富。

星期六
「面子消費」是指不完全為了實際需要,更多是出於炫耀和滿足「面子」的目的而產生的消費行為。年輕人買不起名牌產品,就購買一個名牌產品的紙袋來裝東西,滿足虛榮心,甚至還買購物小票、說明書、吊牌等。這一代教會的年輕人需要有更多在主裡年長、成熟的信徒,做為他們愛主、服侍神的好榜樣。我們為他們禱告,願神給他們在靈命更深紮根,也賜教會牧長及同工有智慧,知道如何以真道餵養他們。

星期日
現今「功利主義」、「消費主義」和「拜金主義」襲捲全中國,民眾們都在為自己的既得利益奮鬥不已。在社會經濟整體發展的同時,許多肢體也只能順流而下,淹沒在市場經濟時代的浪潮中。雖然教會中許多肢體愛心漸冷淡,我們仍要有信心,為那些堅持忠心愛主,默默服侍教會的弟兄姐妹來感恩,願主堅固他們,也藉著他們全然的委身與熱心殷勤的服事來感動他人,鼓舞更多信徒願意事奉主。

星期一
目前中國教會正面臨著嚴峻的轉型期,不少教會處於不冷不熱的光景中。教會靈命不長進的主要原因是缺乏真理的教導、深受世俗化影響,以及異端的攪擾和教會分裂等因素影響。我們需要更急迫地為中國的教會祈求,求主醫治所有使教會軟弱的屬靈疾病,賜給教會再次的復興。我們也為每一位教會的領袖禱告,求主給他們有謙卑仰望主的心志,在教導真理上忠心盡職,在操練敬虔上有美好的榜樣。

2012年2月21日星期二

Prayer Request 2/21 - 2/27

Tuesday
Jeremy Lin, in his Cinderella-like NBA performances and instant rise to stardom. His genuine humility, coupled with extraordinary confidence and selfless playing style and always attributing his success to God, has won the hearts of billion. Chinese athletes often and mostly excel in individual sport but very little in team sports. May the Lord grant us all humility, so we can really selflessly serve in church, not individually but in teams and submit to leadership.

Wednesday
Chinese NBA players were excellent players, but Chinese fans can hardly learn their styles, because one can't learn Yao Ming’s way of playing without his stature. Jeremy Lin is 6-foot-3-inch, 200-pound; he is much easier for most Chinese players to relate to and imitate. It can be said that this generation of young Chinese believers have no model they can imitate from. We pray the Lord will raise up many selfless men and women of God, not afraid to testify His Name, not merely in words but in their actions and accomplishment.

Thursday
When asked, "How much should a man make a month to consider dating for marriage?" a large survey shows that 80% of the women in China think a man must make 4000 yuan monthly but 63.9% of the respondents also think that feelings should be as important as how much money he earns. This survey was conducted in provinces that are more economically developed and according to the official data, the average monthly wage in Beijing and Guangzhou is over 4000 yuan monthly. The common thought of young people in all of China is that one must make sure the prospective mate is rich. We lift up all single believers in our prayers asking that they consider having the same Christian faith as the most important criterion in considering courtship. We pray, too, that they will commit their waiting time into God's hand, content to wait for His time and know that He has the best plan for them.

Friday
The number of well-educated single Chinese women who are past the "prime marriageable" age is increasing. Since they do not see any prospect for a husband they have given up and instead pour their energy into their career. Today's Chinese women, unlike those in the past who focused their entire lives on their husbands and children, are very independent and most of them take great pride in their career, finding fulfillment in their work, and self-realization. The churches in China need more female leaders and co-workers to meet the special needs of female believers. We pray for a smooth and good working relationship between male and female co-workers in the churches that together they may expand the ministry of all local churches.

Saturday
How some Chinese believers view their church still has a lot of room for improvement. Many are rather strong in theology of Trinity, Scripture and Christology. The mainstream Chinese churches are still deeply influenced by "believer's priesthood" and place great emphasis on personal devotion and prayer, but are weak in asking believers to serve in church as a body or team. Many people attend church and become a member, but are unable to commit in the local church, they refuse to be part of fellowship. May the Lord give China churches more believers who are humble and willing to devote and allow God to use their spiritual gifts to serve the Body of Christ before His glorious return.

Sunday
China is generally considered much more open to women than other East Asian countries with Taiwan somewhat behind, South Korea further back, and Japan even worse. Women in China do not come across as expecting deferential treatment but they do expect to be taken seriously. We pray for a great witness of all the sisters in their homes, especially in those where the husband is still not a believer. May the Lord grant them special tenderness and patience as they live out the love of Jesus daily. The Lord is good and faithful in giving them His special mercy and love.

Monday
In China young women have been pouring into the universities both at home and abroad, and graduating in almost the same numbers as men. Once they have negotiated the highly competitive educational system, they want to get on the career ladder and start climbing since they see great opportunities there. In all aspects of the ministry of the church in China, the sisters shoulder much of the work. Let us pray especially for the younger women that the Lord will give them godly models among older women in the church to receive friendship and encouragement in their lives and spiritual walk.


星期二
華裔基督徒林書豪在NBA精彩表現,成為美國籃壇風雲人物。他在球場上自信又不張狂、信任隊友指揮若定、樂於分享球權、更在關鍵時刻穩定抗壓,並將成就歸榮耀於上帝。中國在運動比賽上,常是個人項目得牌,少有在團隊上獲獎。求主幫助我們在教會中能學習謙卑,在團隊中放下自己來配搭事奉。

星期三
中國NBA球員在國內有極多的粉絲,但是球迷也很難模仿他們的的風格,因為沒有人擁有姚明的身材,也無法學習他的球技。但是6尺3,200磅的林書豪他卻是喜愛打球的年輕人,人人可以效法模仿的對象。這一代年輕的信徒沒有可以效法的對象,並不是太誇張的說法。求主為中國教會賜下許多虔誠愛主的,毫不懼怕在大眾面前為祂做見證,不單單是口裡說說,而是在行為和成就榮耀祂的名。

星期四
當問到「您認為男性月入多少才適合談戀愛?」,一份報告顯示,有八成女性認為「男性月入四千才適合談戀愛」。「月入四千」並不是擇偶唯一條件,63.9%的調查對象更看重感情投入。調查報告對象集中於經濟較發達地區,按統計局數據,北京和廣州的每月平均工資皆超過四千元。「一定要找個有錢的對象」是當代中國年輕人的共思。我們在禱告中記念待婚的基督徒,求主提醒他們,在考慮婚姻時,要以「共同信仰」為首位,也賜他們信心,將終身大事交託給神,信靠祂在自己身上必有最美好的計劃。

星期五
受過高等教育的大齡女青年越來越多。另一半既然始終虛無縹緲,“涼透了心”的女性也就聰明或無奈地將目光轉投於事業。現代中國女性具有強烈的獨立精神,大多數人熱愛自己的事業,不願像傳統女性一樣,將相夫教子當成唯一的使命,而是努力取得職業成就,實現自我價值。女性信徒日漸增多,求主興起更多女教牧同工,以滿足牧養女性信徒的需要;也能與男同工配搭,擴展教會的服侍領域,共建神家。

星期六
某些中國教會的信徒儘管在神學上有很好的裝備,但對教會觀的認識仍然不太成熟。他們注重操練個人的靈修、禱告,卻不明白怎樣在教會中參與團隊的服侍。很多人來到教會,成為信徒,但是不參與團契生活,彷彿就像一個自修的基督徒。求神開啟祂兒女的心靈眼睛,讓我們看見神要我們在教會裡各盡其職,好叫基督的新婦早日妝飾整齊,等候主的再臨。

星期日
中國人對女性的態度,相比其他東亞國家和地區,已屬相當開放,其次是台灣、韓國及日本。中國女性希望獲得社會重視,並不想給人低眉順眼的印象。求主賜福姊妹們,在家中有美好的見證。我們特別為丈夫仍未信主的姊妹禱告,求主額外憐恤她們,幫助她們學習仰望基督,天天經歷祂的看顧和保守,並有溫柔、忍耐的心為丈夫的得救禱告主。

星期一
女性若通過中國教育系統競爭激烈的獨木橋,便希望能找到工作,向職業階梯的上層攀爬。有了大學文憑對女性而言,意味著更好的就業及婚姻的機遇。求主使用姊妹在教會各層面服事。我們特別為教會中年輕的姊妹禱告,求主為她們在教會內能有屬靈的榜樣,在靈命能彼此鼓勵,又能分享人生的經歷。

2012年2月14日星期二

Prayer Requesy 2/14 - 2/20

Tuesday
There are now 57,000 Chinese undergraduates in universities in the United States as compared with only 10,000 five years ago. Many Chinese families hire agents to help them navigate the application process and that agent's fee could range up to $10,000 plus an equally large bonus if the student gets into a highly-ranked school. Since these students come from affluent families, they are less likely to go to church than those from families with less income. However, Chinese churches are to reach out and share the gospel with some of them. We praise the Lord for giving churches in North America fruitful opportunities to have ministries among college students and especially target those from China.

Wednesday
A consulting company published a report last year which found cheating on college applications by Chinese students who were applying to American colleges to be "pervasive in China, driven by hyper-competitive parents and aggressive agents". They also say, "Our research indicates that ninety percent of the letters of recommendation are fake and seventy percent of the essays are not written by the applicant." Many observe that the young Chinese undergraduates are "rich and spoiled" unlike the graduate students who usually have scholarships and are much more frugal. We pray that many more Chinese churches will be able to invite Chinese students in nearby universities to attend their churches and be able to share Jesus with them through friendship and caring for them.

Thursday
The churches in China have been excited about world missions and going overseas to a foreign country. However, Chinese believers really need to first begin sharing the gospel with the ethnic minorities in their own country who have their own distinctive cultures and a totally different lifestyle from the Han Chinese. We do give thanks for missions and pray that the churches in China will see that missions does not necessarily mean a person has to get a passport and that no pastor in a house church can give the excuse of "I cannot go on cross-cultural missions because I do not have the identification proper papers."

Friday
In China, grooming the little emperor or empress starts at kindergarten, which may be of the Monday-to-Friday boarding variety, and can get very expensive even at that level. The best kindergarten in China are vastly oversubscribed by parents who are willing to pay, and although they are mostly state-run, but one hear stories about parents being asked for "sponsorship" of up to 200,000 yuan ($32,000) to get their son or daughter into the waiting list. Vast majority of Sunday School teachers in China are sisters who might have little theological training, curriculum or even teaching experiences. They literally learn on the job. but it is so precious that they have a deep love for God's little ones. We praise the Lord for the growth of China's children's ministry and improvement of the spiritual lives among children in churches. We thank them all for their dedication!

Saturday
After that the child has to be maneuvered into the best school, homework needs to be closely supervised and there is a lot of ferrying around for after-school activities. Steering a child through all this almost amounts to a full-time job. The effort culminates in the “gaokao”, the national college- entrance exam that determines which, if any, university the youngster can get into.

Sunday
Yining, Xinjiang in the Western part of China is where Uighur, the Muslim ethnic minority traditionally live. Many Uyghur's do not like how the Chinese authorities trying to control their religious and cultural life, this is one area where there are periodic protest and ethnic violence. Officials there were trying to forbid wearing of veils, Arabic-style clothing and wearing beard for men, to suppress the religious fervor. It is so difficult to share the Gospel among the Uighur, those who have accepted Jesus also risks their lives and strong oppositions from their family and community. We beseech the Lord for extra mercy for those who believe in Him but do not profess their faith openly.

Monday
The huge test China's urban churches faces is actually within the church itself. If we see the church as a building weathering the wind and storm, but what really rock the structure is the poor foundation. It is true that China churches have lots of secular temptation, political pressure, but all the detrimental causes are within the churches. Many Chinese take great pride of the numbers of Christians in China, we praise God for such a special grace, but we pray that believers will remain humble and trusting Him, holding fast the truth and not compromise.



星期二
僅過去五年中國學生到美國就讀大學,人數已增加五倍,達到五萬七千人。中國學生熱衷到美國就讀大學,許多家庭透過中介公司,繳付近萬元美金的費用,以期能進入美國的好學校。這些學生多來自富裕的中產階級,有能力負擔高昂的手續費及全額學費。相對於經濟條件較差的學生,這些留學生較不願意受邀參加教會活動。感謝主賜給北美的華人教會許多機會接觸各國留學生,跟他們分享基督的信仰,求主繼續帶領各教會的大學生事工,尤其是針對來自中國的學子。

星期三
去年一家諮詢公司發表報告,中國學生的申請資料廣泛造假,包括論文找人捉刀、找槍手代考托福英文能力測驗等等。學生因為國內高校考試競爭激烈,加上招生中介把國外教育吹得天花亂墜,使他們極為熱衷到美國上大學。現今到北美的留學生幾乎都是「有錢,驕寵」的年輕人,與拿獎學金讀碩士的研究生截然不同。求主賜智慧給北美華人教會,能就近邀請留學生來認識信仰,藉著建立友誼與關懷,讓他們認識耶穌基督的真愛。

星期四
中國想跨出普世宣教的第一步,應該先學習向少數民族宣教;少數民族因文化和生活方式的不同,向少數民宣教可以鍛鍊宣教意志,並學習適應生活環境. 我們為中國教會有普世宣教的心智感恩,求主讓教會先要對國內的少數民族有宣教的負擔, 這是一個「不需辦理海外簽證」的宣教機會,盼望能激勵更多因為「身份」敏感問題而不能出國跨文化宣教的家庭教會傳道人。

星期五
在養育家中唯一的孩子就怕輸在起跑線,即是從幼兒園開始,此級教育所需的費用已非常昂貴了。城市裡最好的幼兒園已經被大量超額預訂,就算是國家運營的幼兒園,要求家長繳納最高達20萬人民幣「擇校費」的現象也時有耳聞。許多帶領主日學工作的姊妹不一定受過很多神學培訓、教材和經驗,但她們邊做邊學,最重要是有一顆「愛孩子」的心。看到主日學兒童日漸增多且靈命長進,我們為她們感謝神,也相信主必悅納、賜福她們所作的。

星期六
孩子即便經過運作進入最好學校,家長也需緊密監督作息,且要接送參加各種課外活動。做以上事情,幾乎已是全職的工作量了,而到了孩子考高考(高等學校全國統一考試),就是決定孩子能否升學及進入哪所大學之時,家長更會使出全身解數,付出最大的努力。姐妹們除了在教會服侍之外,更要在家督導孩子功課。如孩子會自發讀書是福氣,但許多孩子在學習上大有掙扎也不能承受升學的壓力。我們為所有的信徒母親們有神賜的智慧,知道如何幫助孩子學習,依靠仰望恩主,也深信神已將最好的賜給了她們。

星期日
新疆伊寧是維吾爾族人的聚集區,中國當局禁止人們穿戴面紗、傳統裝束和蓄鬚,試圖壓制宗教熱情。很多維吾爾人不喜歡當局對他們的宗教和文化生活進行管制,該地區時有抗議和暴力發生。我們特別為維吾爾族人救恩臨到他們祈求,在人看來實在不容易,他們中間若有人接受基督信仰,也必定受到家人、社區的激烈反對,甚至有生命危險。求主格外憐憫恩待他們,更是保守那些心中接受但不敢公開聚會的信徒們,以堅定信心仰望主。

星期一
城市教會所面臨的試煉是隱藏在教會本身。假設教會是一座房子,經歷外面的風吹雨打、日晒,但真正能動搖這房子的,是根基不穩固與結構不合理。固然外在的壓力、世俗的誘惑會動搖中國教會,然而最致命的問題是源於教會自身的質地有缺陷。教會不能以擁有眾多信徒而矜誇自喜,我們需要感謝神的恩待。求主賜所有中國信徒有一顆謙卑、仰望祂的心,在真理上虔敬持守。

2012年2月7日星期二

Prayer Request 2/7 - 2/13

Tuesday
Currently the mandatory retirement age in China is 60 for men and 50 for women with 55 for those in the management level but officials are considering a flexible retirement system. In contrast to a proposal to change the retirement age of women to agree with that of men, there is the idea of a flexible retirement system which will give an age range in which both men and women can choose to retire. In 2011 the China Women's Federation released a report saying that half of the people surveyed agreed that men and women should retire at the same age. There are many believers who are barely over 50 and retired so they have the time, ability, and energy to help out in all areas of ministry. We thank the Lord for them because they make up for the lack of full-time ministers. We remember them in our prayers as they serve diligently and unselfishly and we know that their reward in heaven will be great.

Wednesday
A flexible retirement system is meant to give both men and women in China the right to choose when to retire. The suggestion is that they can choose any time between 50 to 55 years of age and that by the time they are 60 years old, all must retire. They feel that this proposed option is more reasonable and equitable than the present system. How to mobilize the large numbers of retired believers is a huge task for the churches in China. The majority of these people are helping their children care for their grandchildren. We pray that these Christian grandparents will have a powerful influence on the little ones who spend the whole day with them, especially those whose parents are not believers or are so busy they do not teach the little ones Bible stories or how to pray.

Thursday
A large number of pastors in the rural churches of China have had to give up their ministry to find jobs in the cities to support their families and pay for the educational expenses of their children. Their wives have stayed in the villages and tended the family garden plots along with caring for the family. However, they still must take care of the church ministry in their husband's absence. This is a very common situation and presents a huge load for them. These rural churches are poor and unable to financially support a shepherd so the church suffers decline in morals and a lack of spiritual nourishment. Let us remember these families and their churches.

Friday
Chinese couples or mothers in churches once they have a child often just drop out of ministry in the church to focus on the educational activities of that child. Chinese believers really need to learn the lesson of how to balance family and church. We pray for wisdom from God especially for those who serve in the churches so that people will not neglect the needs of their children but will still be faithful in serving God. Many children grow up in church feeling they are neglected by their parents because of the demands of the ministry. May the Lord heal their hurt and allow them to see how God considers their devotion to Him so very special.

Saturday
Many of the pastors and the believers alike, in the grass roots churches (including churches of migrant workers) are very poor and cannot afford anything beyond basic needs. They can hardly afford the many fees charged by schools let alone paying for a college education. They struggle trying to serve God with little salary to meet the financial needs of the family. We pray especially for believers who are migrant workers. May the Lord supply their needs in the often difficult places and grant them the faith to endure knowing God always loves them, cares for them, and they can be a powerful testimony for Him.

Sunday
The churches in China have been isolated from each other due to political, historical, geographical, economic, and cultural reasons. There has been obvious distrust between the Three-self and house churches, between urban and rural churches as well as evangelical and charismatic churches. Even in one given church there is a lot of criticism, accusations, intolerance, as well as not accepting other Christians. We ask the Lord to help the churches in China to have real unity, not all under the same system, the same style, or even the same management but rather to appreciate the diversity of churches as God's gift to them. We pray the Lord will give them unity in preaching the truth, unity in the Holy Spirit, and in mission.

Monday
There are indeed certain advantages for those university students who accepted Jesus in bigger Chinese cities. In the coastal cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin, Weihai and Port Arthur, the new college believers usually have better student ministry and better shepherds to nurture them. College student ministry in China is not an easy task, student leaders often have to feed themselves spiritually and care for the new believers as well, all without the help of trained pastors. Let us pray for all the believers in colleges, may the Lord give them wisdom, strength, knowing how to effectively use their time and live out Christ's example among those they lead.



星期二
官方在調研彈性退休制度。目前中國男女法定退休年齡為男年滿六十歲、女工人年滿五十歲、女幹部年滿五十五歲。相比「女性延遲退休」,彈性退休制將對退休年齡設上下限,男女均享有選擇何時退休的權利。全國婦聯去年的調研報告顯示:超過五成被訪者同意男女同齡退休。教會中有些信徒選擇五十歲退休,並積極參與各樣事工。我們為他們能在全職傳道人手短缺情況下,成為神家的守望者感恩。求主記念他們忠心無私的擺上,又恩上加恩,力上加力。

星期三
彈性退休制,是讓男女在退休年齡上有選擇權。「比如男女有個共同退休年齡的下限,五十歲或五十五歲,到這個年齡可選擇退休。同時也設置上限年齡,比如男女都是60歲,讓男女都有機會在上下限之間有選擇的權利。」相比之前頗受關注和爭議的「婦女延遲退休」,這一制度更合理,也更能體現男女平等。如何動員已退休信徒是中國教會的一大挑戰。大部分退休信徒都會照顧孫兒女,我們為基督徒祖父母禱告(尤其子女是十分忙碌或未信的),求主幫助他們在兒孫輩中有美好的屬靈榜樣,教導孫輩認識聖經真理,並與他們一起禱告,經歷神。

星期四
不少農村教會的傳道同工得不到教會的供應,只能到城裡打工,賺錢養家及支付兒女學費,妻子就留在農村做農活與照顧家庭,同時接手在教會服侍,擔子實在不輕省。中國農村有太多教會,貧窮到無法供應傳道人的地步。我們為沒有牧人餵養,羊群靈性虛弱的教會祈求,願主為他們開路,也願祂的憐憫恩典臨到這些單獨留在農村教會,丈夫離開教會進城打工的師母們,求主親自保守她們的家庭,堅固她們的信心和服事。

星期五
許多夫妻一旦有了孩子,常停止教會的服事,甚至為了忙孩子的學習或活動,無法正常的聚會。如何平衡家庭與教會的服事,是每個信徒都要學習的。求主賜智慧給信徒,學習怎樣能平衡關顧教會與家庭的需要,不因服事繁多,傳道人或是同工就忽略了關懷、參與子女的成長。我們也為那些因父母在教會有許多參與,但是孩子覺得被忽略的,求主醫治這些孩子的心靈,讓他們明白神看重他們爸媽忠心的擺上。

星期六
有些基層教會(包括農民工教會)的教牧同工和信徒生活拮据,只能維持基本生活的需要,難以供應孩子上學所需的學費和基本支出,更別說讓孩子上大學。對同工而言,賺錢供應起碼的家庭需要和忠心服事主在教會事奉的取捨,往往令他們左右為難。我們為農民工基督徒子女的生活和信仰狀況禱告,求主幫助他們在特殊的生活環境和艱難的經濟環境下得蒙主的眷顧,能體會天父的愛,活出強而有力的見證。

星期日
由於政治、歷史、地域、經濟、文化等原因,各教會分門別類各自為政,是不爭的事實。三自教會與家庭教會,城市教會與農村教,福音派與靈恩派,甚至是一個教會內部,同工與同工之間,都存在著論斷、指責、不寬容、不接納的惰形。求主賜中國教會有真正合一的靈,不是強求各個教會採用同樣的制度、形式、管理,而是明白教會的多樣化也是神的美意。求主幫助我們在真理裡合一,在聖靈裡合一,更是在使命裡的合一。

星期一
許多信主的大學生都承認,在都市成為基督徒,的確是享有較多的屬靈資源。譬如在沿海諸城如深圳、上海、北京、天津、威海、旅順等,大學生事工通常能得到較多關顧及牧養,因為他們當中有好牧人、好榜樣。事實上,中國大學生的牧養工作普遍地不易,有些地區沒有傳道人,乃由已信主的學生栽培初信的同學,他們一面要維持自己的靈命成長,還要關懷其他屬靈同伴的成長,往往很難「生存」。讓我們為大學信徒禱告,尤其那些信主不久,已經開始帶領初信者的大學生,求主親自餵養他們,賜他們智慧、能力和勇氣,並有效分配時間,天天活出主的樣式。