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Lifestyle of Prayer: Christmas Purpose!

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“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

 This week’s prayer focus:  Christmas Purpose!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” 
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

“’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’  All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ — which means, ‘God with us.’”
Matthew 1:21-22 (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 some scriptures regarding the birth of Jesus and the names He was to be called.  Pray each day about that aspect of who Jesus is impacts your life.  Pray that you would celebrate Christmas throughout the year as you recognize the incredible gift God gave to mankind.  Pray each day for the individuals of Deer Run as well as the body of Deer Run. 

“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 about each day’s specific focus on who Jesus is.  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:  Wonderful Counselor.  Pray that your relationship with Jesus reveals His presence, the Wonderful Counselor, living in you.   Pray that you would receive the counsel that Jesus desires to give you.  “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”  John 14:26 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Mighty God.  Pray that your life submits fully to the authority and might of God.  Pray that you would make the most of every opportunity that God gives you to speak of His mighty work in your life.  “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”  Luke 22:69 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Everlasting Father.  Pray that your life shows a trust in an eternal Father and Savior.  Pray that you would share the truth of an everlasting God as you tell the story of Jesus this Christmas.  “’I tell you the truth,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”  John 8:58 (NIV)

Thursday:  Prince of Peace.  Pray that you would seek peace with God who desires to bring all people to peace with Him through Jesus.  Pray that you would give glory to God for the peace Jesus has brought between you and God.  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  Luke 2:14 (NIV)

Friday: Jesus.  Pray that you completely experience the cleansing power of the name of Jesus who came to save His people from their sins.  Pray for the courage to present Jesus as the One who saves.  “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.”  I Timothy 1:15 (NIV)

Saturday:  Immanuel.  Pray that your life is a constant reminder to those around you that God is with us and has come to help His people.  Pray that you would always remember God’s desire for His presence to be with you.  “They were all filled with awe and praised God. ‘A great prophet has appeared among us,’ they said. ‘God has come to help his people.’”  Luke 7:16 (NIV)