“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Rejoice!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

This week’s prayer focus will be on God’s command that we rejoice always.  While we may not say it out loud, most of us have a problem with this command — we don’t always feel like rejoicing!  The key to keeping this command is hidden in plain sight.  Right there in the middle of the command to rejoice always, the secret to being able to do that is revealed — “in the Lord”.  When we live each day and moment of our life “in the Lord”, we are able to rejoice because of His presence with us and His working in us.  As you pray, ask God to help you live with an awareness of His presence each moment of your life.  Pray that you would learn to rejoice, even in difficult times, because of His presence that goes with you at all times.  Pray for the endurance to overcome feelings that would keep you from rejoicing and to see the eternal joy that God has called you to.  Pray each day for the individuals of your church congregation as well as the body of Christ as a whole. 

“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 lived in a way that rejoices in the Lord.

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: Rejoice in God’s Presence.  Pray that the blessings of God would always lead you to rejoice in His presence.  Pray that your work would result in rejoicing by you and your family.  “There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you.”  Deuteronomy 12:7 (NIV)

Tuesday: Rejoice in God’s Protection.  Pray that the protection of your soul would be reason to rejoice even more than the protection of your body.  Pray that your love of God would protect you from the attacks of the enemy.  “But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.”  Psalm 5:11 (NIV)

Wednesday: Rejoice in God’s Salvation.  Pray that the confidence of God’s promised salvation would lead you to a life of rejoicing.  Pray that the value you place on your salvation would bring about a great delight in your life.   “Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation.”  Psalm 35:9 (NIV)

Thursday: Rejoice in Righteousness.  Pray that you would live a life of righteousness that rejoices in God.  Pray that an upright lifestyle would be the result of you hiding in the Lord.  “Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in heart praise him!”  Psalm 64:10 (NIV)

Friday: Rejoice in Humility.  Pray that you would live with humility as you consider God as the source of you rejoicing.  Pray that your humility would help you see how God provides for your needs.  “Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 29:19  (NIV)

Saturday:  Rejoice in Suffering.  Pray that you would learn to rejoice even in suffering as you allow it to accomplish its work in your life.  Pray that the hope which awaits you would lead you to a life of rejoicing in the midst of trials.  “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”  Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)