“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Prosperity!

“Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways.  You will eat the fruit of your labor;
blessings and prosperity will be yours.”
Psalm 128:1-2 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus is on prosperity from God’s perspective.  As with many things, it is difficult to find balance when you hear people, even Christians, talk about the topic of prosperity.  I know Christians who believe that God desires to prosper them financially and it is only a lack of faith that would keep that from happening.  I also know Christians who believe that God has called them to a vow of poverty and any accumulation of material possessions would be a sin.  But what does God’s Word say?  We actually find examples of each type of person in scripture but more importantly, we find God’s view of the prosperity He desires for us has a greater eternal perspective than we often pay attention to.  As you pray, ask God to show you how He has already prospered you.  Pray that you would fully seek the things of God and in so doing, you would have a prosperity that lasts for eternity.

“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 pray each day that your life would be filled with the qualities necessary for prosperity from God’s perspective.

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:  Prosper Through Obedience.  Pray that you would spend time knowing, and keeping, God’s commands.  Pray that you would prosper in obedience to Him.  “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.”  Proverbs 3:1-2 (NIV)

Tuesday:  Prosper Through Generosity.  Ask God to give you a heart of generosity that notices, and responds to, the needs of others.  Pray that you would experience the generosity of God, and others, in your times of need.  “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

Wednesday:  Prosper Through Righteousness.  Pray that you would pursue a righteousness in Christ that leads to an eternal prosperity.  Pray that you would pursue righteousness above any temporary prosperity.  “Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous.”  Proverbs 13:21 (NIV)

Thursday:  Prosper Through Instruction.  Pray that you would be one who listens to godly instruction.  Pray that you would trust in the Lord to prosper you in the correct way as you follow His instruction.  “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.”  Proverbs 16:20 (NIV)

Friday:  Prosper Through Understanding.  Ask God to fill you with the wisdom that He promises to give.  Pray that He would give you the understanding necessary to use wisdom well.  Pray that your love of wisdom and understanding will give you God’s view of prosperity.  “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who cherishes understanding prospers.”  Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)

Saturday:  Prosper Through Contentment.  Pray that you would learn to be content as you trust God to provide your greatest needs.  Pray that you would seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness as you trust Him to bring a proper prosperity to your life.  “A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.”  Proverbs 28:25 (NIV)