“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

As I read the above verse, I had to consider how much of God’s characteristic of compassion is evident in my life.  The Bible says much about God’s desire to show compassion to people who would be lost without it!  For our Lifestyle of Prayer focus this week, we will look at some scriptures about God’s expression of compassion and pray about how we will show compassion to others.  As Christians we want to be obedient to God and to live like Christ, so this week we will pray about how our expression of compassion reflects the nature of God.  As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  Continue to pray for the family.  View prayer as your first priority, not as the last resort. 

“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 about having a heart of compassion that reflects the character of God.   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: Compassion Through True Justice.   Pray that you would see justice through the eyes of mercy and compassion.  Pray that you would learn to see justice as the process of making things right rather than a desire for revenge.  “This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.'”  Zechariah 7:9  (NIV)

Tuesday: Compassion for the Helpless.  Pray that you would have a heart of compassion for the people around you who have no spiritual leader.  “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”  Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

Wednesday: Compassion for the Sick.  Pray that you would find ways to minister to and serve the sick.  Pray that your compassion for them would be genuine and helpful.  “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”  Matthew 14:14 (NIV)

Thursday: Compassion for the Hungry.  Pray for eyes that see those who are hungry.  Pray for the compassion to share both physical and spiritual food with the people who hunger.  “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat.”  Mark 8:2 (NIV)

Friday: Compassion for the Lost/Missing.  Pray that you would be filled with a tender compassion for the people you know who are lost and/or missing from the fellowship of believers.  “So he got up and went to his father.  But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”  Luke 15:20 (NIV)

Saturday:  Clothed with Compassion.  Pray that you would daily put on the clothing of compassion and the characteristics that are fitting for God’s chosen people.  “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  Colossians 3:12 (NIV)