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Lifestyle of Prayer: The Church Family!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 

This week’s prayer focus:  The Church Family!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort.  This week we will focus on praying for the various aspects of the church family.  Each day will emphasize a category of people to pray for that are, or could be, a part of your church family.  Pray specifically for the people you know in each category.  As you pray, listen for what God would have you to do.  Pray each day for the individuals of the congregation you attend as well as for the gathering of believers.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

 Please spend time praying each day for God’s direction in responding to that day’s giving focus.  Thank you!

Sunday:  Pray for your church, its staff and leadership, and for all of the preaching and teaching that takes place.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Visitors that come.  Pray that you would notice visitors and be welcoming.  Pray that our visitors would be encouraged to pursue Jesus.  “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”  Colossians 2:2 (NIV)

Tuesday: Members.  Pray that each member would be growing in faith and equipped to share their faith.  Pray that your involvement in the body of Christ would be an encouragement to others.  “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

Wednesday: Deacons.  Spend time thanking God for deacons who serve with diligence and faithfulness.  Pray that they would receive the respect due them.  “Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.”  1 Timothy 3:8 (NIV)

Thursday: Elders.  Thank God for elders who desire a noble task.  Pray that their task is made easier by a congregation that lives out their connection with God.  “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.”
1 Timothy 3:1 (NIV)

Friday: Teachers.  Pray for God’s wisdom and protection for those who teach.  Pray that all teaching would remain true to God’s Word.  “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”  James 3:1 (NIV)

Saturday:  Visitors to invite.  Pray for those God would have you share your faith with.  Pray for courage to invite people to attend church with you.  “Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.”  Matthew 22:9 (NIV)