“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Don’t Give Up!

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12 (NIV)

While Jesus did say that whoever does not give up everything he has cannot be His disciple, there are “things” that the Bible tells us not to give up.  Our prayer focus this week will look at some of those things that we are to hold on to as we continue our journey in life.  As we choose to give up everything that is about self as we surrender to Jesus, we also hold fast to everything that is Jesus in our life.  God calls us to a life of faithfulness which means we live in a constant pursuit of Him without ever giving up.  So, while we give up every selfish desire and everything that is not of God, we hold fast to all that is good and everything that God puts within us for our benefit and for the benefit of others.  As you pray, ask God to embolden you by His Spirit to surrender everything of you to Him and to hold fast to everything of Him that is in you.

“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) 

As you pray this week, ask God to help you in pursuing Him without giving up.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.  

Monday: Don’t Give Up on God.  Pray that you would hold fast to God and His Word, even when the nation around you seems to have forgotten and/or rejected them.  Pray that you would not give up on doing the work of God that He has called you to.  “For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law.  But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”  2 Chronicles 15:3,7  (NIV)

Tuesday: Don’t Give Up Praying.  Ask God to help you to pray when you feel like giving up.  Pray that you would be faithful in going to God in prayer in all times and about all things.  “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”  Luke 18:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Don’t Give Up Doing Good.  Pray that you would always do good as a reflection of God’s goodness in you.  Pray that you would turn to God for His refreshing when you begin to feel weary.  “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Don’t Give Up on Godly Doctrine.  Pray that you would pay attention to how you live and not give up on sound doctrine.  Pray that you would never give up on sharing your life, and the sound doctrine you live, with others.  “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  1 Timothy 4:16 (NIV)

Friday: Don’t Give Up Meeting Together.   Pray that you would be an encourager as you remain faithful in meeting with other believers.  Pray that you would look for opportunities to meet together with others, both to be encouraged and to encourage them.  “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

Saturday:  Don’t Give Up on God’s Will.  Pray that you would remain faithful in doing the things scripture teaches are the will of God.  Pray that the promises of God would help you remain committed to doing His will.  “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”  Hebrews 10:36 (NIV)