“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus:  Patience!

“A man’s wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”
Proverbs 19:11 (NIV)

As we continue to grow in A Lifestyle of Prayer, it is important to remember prayer should be a lifestyle, not an event.  Last week’s prayer focus was on submission so while we are on topics people often like to avoid, this week we will focus on praying about Patience!  God’s Word has a lot to say about His patience and the patience that we ought to have.  As we pray this week, we will look at six verses dealing with some attributes of patience.  God says that it is wisdom that gives us patience, so as we seek to grow in the area of patience perhaps we should ask God for wisdom which He promises to give to us generously and without finding fault.  Pray that you would see patience from God’s point of view and how it is a practice we all should participate in as we seek to be more Christ-like.

“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 that you would have Christ-like patience in your interactions with everyone.  With that focus in mind, pray for yourself, your family, your friends, neighbors, and all those you know.  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: Patience as an Attribute of Love.  Pray that the love of God would abound in your life and overflow in the form of patience as you share God’s love with others.  “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”  1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

Tuesday: Patience as a Fruit of God’s Spirit.  Pray that you would experience continual growth of the Spirit’s fruit in your life as you exhibit patience in your interactions with others.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”  Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

Wednesday: Patience with Everyone.  Pray that you would be filled with patience as speak with those who idle, timid, and weak.  “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”  1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

Thursday: Patience in Sharing the Word.  Pray that you would be a “preacher of the Word” by the way you live and speak and that your doing so would be done with great patience.  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.”  2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

Friday: Patience in Standing Firm to the End.   Pray that you would  never lose sight of your eternal reward and that you would have the patience to stand firm until the end.  “You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”  James 5:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Patience with Purpose.   Pray that you would have an understanding of the purpose of God’s patience in wanting people to come to repentance.  Pray that you would adopt that purpose as you are patient with others.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”  2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)